French Senate backs two-year extension of rent-control experiment

During a closed-door session of the Economic Affairs Committee, the Senate endorsed a two-year continuation of France's rent-control experiment, which limits rental prices in selected high-demand towns. The proposal, originally introduced by Iñaki Echaniz and previously passed by the National Assembly, was trimmed to maintain the existing geographic perimeter rather than broaden it. Senators, echoing the government's stance, argued that no conclusive study has ruled out negative effects on the rental stock, and they emphasized the need for improved data collection via the Gérer mon bien immobilier platform.

Local leaders, including Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, had urged a permanent and expanded scheme, warning that its removal could trigger sharp rent hikes. The housing minister Vincent Jeanbrun has publicly expressed personal opposition to maintaining the measure. The bill now returns to the lower house for a second reading before any final decision.