French Housing Minister Criticizes Local Anti-Eviction Orders Amid Rising Evictions in 2025

Vincent Jeanbrun, France's Minister of the City and Housing, has sharply criticized local anti-eviction measures implemented in Saint-Denis and Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, labeling them as populist and counterproductive. These local orders, in place until October 31, 2026, forbid evictions unless relocation solutions are guaranteed. Jeanbrun contends such policies create a misleading sense of security and ultimately exacerbate homelessness.

In 2025, France witnessed a significant rise in evictions, with over 30,500 households subjected to eviction by police—a 27% increase from the previous year. Jeanbrun highlighted that while eviction orders from landlords only increased modestly by 2.4%, forced evictions surged 60% in two years, partly due to judicial practices tightened by the Kasbarian-Bergé law. This law shortened eviction timelines and limited tenants' ability to defer payments, reducing consideration of factors like vulnerable occupants or absence of alternative housing.

The minister acknowledged the financial hardships families face in paying rent but also raised concerns about tenants exploiting the system. He cited examples of families managing multiple streaming subscriptions despite owing rent, a claim contested by an ANIL survey which attributes unpaid rents mainly to structural income challenges. Jeanbrun stressed the need to balance tenant protections with safeguards for landlords, who risk losing income and are discouraged from continuing rental investments.

To address systemic issues in eviction regulation, Jeanbrun is preparing the "Ripost" law, aimed at closing existing legal loopholes that complicate eviction enforcement. This legislation is slated for Senate and National Assembly discussions soon, with a goal to pass before summer 2026. He also emphasized empowering mayors and property owners with greater authority in housing policy.

As part of boosting housing availability, Jeanbrun plans to launch "Olympic Games of Housing," an initiative designed to rapidly accelerate the construction of affordable homes, inspired by the efficiency successes seen in Olympic projects.

The minister's stance reflects tensions between national housing policy and local measures, and underscores complex challenges in managing evictions amid France's housing crisis. His call for legislative reform and increased housing production signals the government's proactive approach going forward.