French Senate passes housing bill granting mayors veto power and allowing temporary rental of inefficient homes

On 8 July 2026 the French Senate approved a government‑proposed bill aimed at reviving and decentralising the housing sector. The legislation introduces a temporary framework that permits the re‑rental of energy‑inefficient dwellings classified as DPE F or G under set conditions, while also expanding mayoral authority to veto individual allocations of social housing (HLM) and to manage additional local quotas. It adds minimum standards for summer habitability, requiring heat‑protection measures such as shading, ventilation and greening, and obliges municipalities to create heat‑risk plans.

Supporters argue the measures address the acute housing shortage and stalled construction projects, while critics warn they could dilute climate policy and increase costs for low‑income households living in poorly insulated homes. The bill now proceeds to the National Assembly, where financing of renovations, oversight of mayoral vetoes and the duration of the temporary rental provisions will be debated.