ALUR law: everything you need to know

La ALUR law (Access to Housing and for Renovated Urbanism), promulgated on 24 March 2014, represents a major turning point in the regulation of the French real estate market. The main objective of this law is promote access to housing and renovated urban planning, by bringing about substantial reforms that affect both tenants, the proprietors And the real estate professionals.

Key metrics includeRent control, the regulation of security deposit, the reduction of notice period, and the establishment of the Winter break. These adjustments have a significant impact, especially in tense areas, where the demand for housing often exceeds the supply.

In this article, we'll explore these reforms, their implementation, and impact in detail, with concrete examples for renters and landlords.

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The main measures of the ALUR law

Rent control: A key measure of the ALUR law

THERent control is one of the most emblematic measures of the ALUR law. In the tense areas, where the demand for housing is particularly strong, this regulation aims to limit the rise in rents and to make access to housing more affordable for tenants. The principle ofRent control is based on the fixation of a reference rent, which is determined by the prefecture, based on the size of the property, its location, and its category.

Owners cannot request a rent amount greater than reference rent increased by 20%, not less than reference rent reduced by 30%. These limits apply to rental contracts new or when renewing lease agreements.

In some particularly tense areas, rents can be revised every year, but only in accordance with this framework. For owners who do not comply with this rule, sanctions may be applied.

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Practical example: rent adjustment in a tense area

Let's take the example of an owner who rents a 40 m² apartment to paris. The reference rent for this type of property is fixed at €1,200, which means that the rent cannot exceed €1,440 (€1,200 + 20%). If this landlord had decided to ask for a rent of €1,500, he would be in violation of the law. This measure is a real tool for rent development in tense areas, thus ensuring that the rents remain within a reasonable range.

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Capping of agency fees and security deposit

The ALUR Act also introduced restrictions on agency fees and the security deposit. Agency fees are now capped, and depend on the geographical area. En tense zone, the amount must not exceed €12/m² to search for accommodation. These fees are shared between the tenant and the landlord, but it is essential that these costs remain reasonable and transparent to avoid abuse.

Regarding the security deposit, the ALUR law limits the amount to one month's rent excluding charges for empty rentals, which is a protective measure for tenants. In case of Restitution from November 1 to March 31, the deadlines for returning the security deposit are reduced to one month, provided that no damage was noted during the exit inventory.

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Obligations of owners and tenants

Reduced notice period

One of the most important measures for tenants is the reduction of notice period. The ALUR law has reduced the notice period from three months to one month for tenants who wish to leave their home, provided that the property is located in a tense zone. This measure allows tenants to have greater flexibility, especially for professional or personal reasons.

The notice period of one month is especially useful for those who need to move quickly. This revision aims to promote access to housing by allowing greater mobility.

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Practical example: amended notice

A tenant living in marseilles wants to leave his apartment for professional reasons. Before the ALUR law, he should have respected a notice period for three months. Since the law came into force, this period has been reduced to one month, allowing him to find new housing more quickly.

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Winter break: reinforced protection for tenants

The ALUR law also strengthened the protection of tenants during the Winter break, which takes place from November 1 to March 31. During this period, rental evictions are suspended, and tenants cannot be evicted, with some exceptions. This measure aims to prevent people from ending up on the streets during cold weather, thus providing a safety net for those who encounter financial difficulties.

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Condominium syndicates: more transparency and competition

The ALUR law introduced reforms to make the management of condominium syndicates more transparent. Owners must now be better informed about the management of condominiums and the decisions made by trustees. One of the main measures is Competition between trustees every three years. This allows co-owners to choose the trustee who offers the best quality/price ratio, while ensuring that costs are controlled.

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Changes in condominium management

Les condominium trustees must now provide a Provisional budget detailing the costs for each property, which ensures better transparency in the management of expenses. Les public institutions for intermunicipal cooperation (EPCI) can also intervene to ensure that decisions are taken in accordance with the interests of the co-owners.

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The impacts on real estate professionals

Les real estate agencies And the real estate professionals are also affected by the ALUR law, mainly through the regulation of agency fees and transaction transparency. These professionals must adapt to an increasingly regulated environment, which may lead to a revision of their business model.

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Changes for real estate agencies

Les real estate agencies must now respect a rental fee cap and ensure that all contractual documents comply with legislation. Owners should also be informed of their rights and obligations, including with respect toRent control and compliance with notice periods.

Professionals must also inform tenants of their rights and obligations, in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of the rental contract. The aim is to create a climate of trust between the parties, which includes increased transparency in the rental contract and compliance with lease conditions.

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The advantages and disadvantages of the ALUR law

Benefits for renters

For the tenants, the ALUR law has several notable advantages: theRent control, the reduction of agency fees, and a notice period shorter. These reforms allow easier access to housing and contribute to the regulation of the rental market, especially in tense areas.

The rent cap and the possibility of changing homes more quickly thanks to the notice period reduced give tenants better control over their situation. In addition, the Winter break offers them additional security, especially during periods of intense cold.

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Disadvantages for homeowners

However, some proprietors find certain measures of the ALUR law binding. THERent control, while beneficial for renters, can limit the profitability of properties in tense areas. In addition, the reduction of notice period for renters can make it more difficult for landlords to prepare for an impending departure.

Les real estate professionals also pointed out that the Competition between trustees can complicate the management of condominiums. These changes may result in additional administrative costs for owners, who must now ensure the compliance of their lease agreements and to the good management of their assets.

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❓ FAQ

What is the ALUR law and who is it aimed at?

The ALUR law, enacted in March 2014, aims to facilitate access to housing, regulate the rental market, and modernize urban planning. It concerns tenants, owners, condominium managers and real estate professionals, with stricter rules in tense areas.

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What are the effects of the ALUR law on rents?

In tense areas, the ALUR law imposes a rent limit. The rent for a new lease or during a renewal cannot exceed 20% of the reference rent set by the prefecture. Penalties are provided in case of overtaking.

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Is the notice reduced for tenants in a tense area?

Yes. In tense areas, the ALUR law allows tenants to reduce their notice to one month (instead of three). This promotes mobility and simplifies departures for professional or personal reasons.

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How does the ALUR law impact condominiums?

The law requires that trustees compete every 3 years and greater transparency in management (estimated budget, accessible documents). The co-owners thus have more visibility and decision-making power.

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