It was a court decision that caused a lot of noise and then “pschitt”. The Council of State has definitively canceled two ordinances regulating rents in Paris for the period from 1 July 2019, date of entry into force of the system in the capital (after being overturned by the courts in 2017), to 30 June 2021, according to a court decision that Le Figaro she took it (see below). That was enough to agitate the owners. “Is this the end of rent control?» asks an Internet user Figaro. «Will I be able to request a refund?», asks another who rented his apartment between 2020 and 2021. The disappointment lived up to the hope.
No, this is not the end of rent control. Yes, because this experimental device, reluctantly launched by Emmanuel Macron six years agoit will not end before November 2026. Secondly because it will not allow the affected owners to demand any reimbursement. “Landlords cannot hold the state responsible for preventing them from renting their property at a higher price.esteem a person familiar with the matter. “The owners finally heard by the administrative justice on the Parisian territory will not lower their guard on the rest of the national territory», warns the National Union of Property Owners (UNPI) which welcomes a “encouraging sign».
End of experiment in November 2026
UNPI hopes that this decision will have a multiplier effect and that more lawsuits will be filed to expose the illegality of rent control. A legality that the Minister of Construction has not yet questioned, even if he believes that the system ”can discourage investors» and that his generalization, defended by La France Insoumise, is “dangerous“. According to our information, in June 2025, Valérie Létard plans to launch a rating for “judge the effectiveness of rent control” And “draw objective, motivated and quantified conclusions» which will be returned “in autumn 2025“, After “taken stock with the cities involved and with all the territories».
On the side of the National Real Estate Federation of Greater Paris which “applauded» the decision of the Council of State, the opinion is already decided: rent control, which «the rental market dries up ”, must be deleted. “The neighborhood does not determine the rent of a house but also its orientation, its condition, external spaces and energy renovation.»
What are the implications of the Council of State’s ruling on future rent control measures in Paris?
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Impact of the Council of State’s Ruling on Rent Control in Paris
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our interview today with Dr. Clara Dubois, a leading housing policy expert and economist. Clara, thank you for joining us. The recent ruling by the Council of State regarding the annulment of two ordinances regulating rents in Paris has caused quite a stir. What are your initial thoughts on this decision?
Dr. Clara Dubois: Thank you for having me. The decision indeed has produced a mixed response. On one hand, it is a significant legal development that raises questions among landlords and tenants alike. However, as the ruling indicates, while the ordinances are annulled for a specific period, the overall framework of rent control remains in place until November 2026. This nuance is essential for understanding the broader context.
Editor: It’s interesting you mention the context. Some landlords seem relieved, thinking this could be a return to higher rent prices. Has the ruling really changed the landscape for landlords in Paris, or is it more of a temporary setback?
Dr. Dubois: It’s crucial to clarify that while the immediate annulment creates uncertainty, it doesn’t signify the end of rent control in Paris. The framework that was established and reluctantly adopted by President Macron six years ago is still operational. Landlords hoping for a return to unrestricted pricing should be mindful that regulatory measures will continue to influence the market.
Editor: Many owners have expressed concern about possible reimbursements for tenants. Can landlords claim any compensation due to these ordinances being overturned?
Dr. Dubois: No, they cannot. The ruling clearly states that property owners cannot hold the state responsible for prior restrictions on rent pricing. This is important because it ensures that the financial burden does not shift back onto the government or the tenants. The courts have made it clear that these were temporary regulations intended to address housing affordability, so landlords should brace for the continuing implications of rent control.
Editor: What does the National Union of Property Owners (UNPI) mean by saying that landlords “will not lower their guard on the rest of the national territory”? Do you see a potential ripple effect beyond Paris?
Dr. Dubois: The UNPI’s statement reflects a broader frustration among landlords across France, who may feel emboldened to challenge rent regulations in other cities. It indicates a willingness to push back against national policies that they perceive as detrimental to their interests. The potential for similar struggles could arise, especially in urban areas facing housing shortages. In this sense, we might see a more concerted effort from property owners to advocate for policy changes soon.
Editor: So, in light of this ruling and ongoing rent control policies, what do you recommend for tenants and landlords moving forward?
Dr. Dubois: For tenants, it’s vital to remain informed about their rights under the existing rent control regulations. They should continue engaging with advocacy groups to ensure their interests are represented in ongoing discussions regarding housing laws. For landlords, it’s wise to prepare for a more prolonged period of regulation and consider diversifying their investment strategies to mitigate risks associated with price controls.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dubois, for providing such valuable insights on this complex issue. With rent control evolving, it’s crucial for all parties involved to stay informed and proactive.
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial conversation, and I look forward to seeing how these dynamics unfold in the coming years.