Since 2016, a rental permit system has been introduced in France, allowing local governments to inspect properties before they are put up for rent. The goal is to reduce unsanitary housing conditions by ensuring that properties meet minimum standards. This measure has been increasingly adopted by French cities to address landlords who rent out properties that are not suitable for living. Housing professionals note that the permit is not widely known by the general public or property owners, and the risks for non-compliance are currently limited. The city of Rennes is set to adopt the permit this Monday, aiming to verify that a property is "decent" before new tenants move in. Municipalities can inspect private apartments and houses to ensure they meet French housing laws. The initiative aims to better understand the condition of the housing stock and tackle unsanitary living conditions, especially among landlords who profit from dilapidated properties. In Rennes, the permit initially applies to properties under 20 square meters built before 1975 in the old city center, a limited pool of 900 apartments. Property owners must request the permit each time a new tenant is installed and prove their property meets the required standards. The Breton community will have one month to respond. Non-compliance may lead to a fine of 5,000 euros, rising to 15,000 euros for repeat offenses. Rennes’ mayor, Nathalie Appéré, explains that this is not a housing revolution but an additional tool to protect tenants from unsanitary conditions. Approximately 700 communes have adopted the rental permit since its introduction ten years ago. However, the measure has faced opposition, with some concerned about its potential impact on the real estate market. Deputy François Jolivet from the Horizons party warned that the deadlines for compliance could hinder the ability to put properties back on the market. Myriam Sahbi-Tollemer, Rennes’ deputy mayor in charge of housing, emphasized that the goal is not to remove properties from the market but to ensure the rental stock is decent. In Saint-Denis, the permit has been in place for several years and was extended citywide starting January 1, 2025. Léo Sanchez, a counselor at the ERA Immobilier agency in Saint-Denis, states that the permit has not significantly affected the market, with interest rate increases and rent control having a greater impact. He also notes that the permit is still largely unknown among property investors, who often learn about it only during the sale process. In Lille, the permit is not yet officially in force, allowing for some exceptions. Maïté Trousselard, responsible for rental at Lille Gestion Immobilière, acknowledges the permit as a useful tool but highlights the need for greater awareness among landlords. She questions whether the permit could prevent certain properties from being rented out, such as an apartment not connected to the ground, despite the owner’s compliance efforts. While the permit may slow down the rental process, it is seen as necessary to better protect tenants from properties with significant issues. The effectiveness of the permit in ensuring compliance remains uncertain. In Saint-Denis, Léo Sanchez mentions that while he brings up the permit during apartment visits, there is no guarantee it will be followed. He notes that for large investors with multiple properties, the penalty of a 5,000 euro fine is not a strong deterrent, as it is equivalent to only six months of rent in Paris.