The French housing bill has successfully passed the committee stage in the National Assembly, marking a key step in its legislative journey. The bill focuses on several key areas, including the status of private landlords, the reauthorization of rental properties with lower energy efficiency ratings (E, F, and G), and the launch of a third urban renewal program, Anru 3. The committee on economic affairs approved the text, though deputies from the National Rally, La France Insoumise, the Socialist Party (PS), and the Ecologists either opposed it or chose to abstain. The next phase of the bill's process will take place in the full National Assembly during the week of November 16. One of the most debated parts of the bill was Article 10, which proposed granting mayors a veto power over the allocation of social housing. After extensive discussions and over 700 amendments, the article was largely removed from the text. Deputy Inaki Echaniz from the Socialist Party warned that the vague nature of the veto right could create complications for mayors. Housing Minister Vincent Jeanbrun argued that the provision would allow for more localized decision-making, while rapporteur Anaïg Le Meur from the Renaissance party said it aimed to encourage mayors to increase the supply of social housing. However, Thierry Repentin, vice-president of the Association of French Mayors, said the existing Caleol system was sufficient and that the association had not requested such a veto. Although the article was removed, the government may reintroduce it later as an amendment. Valérie Létard, a deputy from the UDI and former housing minister, suggested a more flexible alternative, such as a "right of proposal" for mayors. The bill also reauthorized the rental of properties with energy efficiency ratings E, F, and G, provided they undergo renovations within three to five years. This provision was adopted without changes. Additional amendments focused on summer comfort, including a consultative role for the Architect of French Buildings in the installation of shutters. A new collective Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE) was introduced for entire buildings, which will help co-owners manage renovations alongside individual DPEs for each apartment. The methodology for calculating DPEs will not be revised before the next presidential election, according to the Ministry of Housing. Article 1 of the bill, which establishes Anru 3, the third urban renewal program, was also approved. While Socialist and Insoumise deputies raised concerns about its scope—20% of its projects may be outside Priority City Districts, favoring medium-sized cities—the Union Social for Housing supported its adoption. However, its initial budget of 5 billion euros is considered insufficient by its main actors. In parallel, a bill introduced by Socialist deputy Inaki Echaniz seeks to extend rent control, which is currently in effect in about 70 communes and intercommunalities. While the Housing Minister has expressed personal opposition to continuing rent capping, he has shown openness to extending it in areas where it is already applied. The bill, which has been partially rewritten, is expected to be included in the government's parliamentary schedule by the end of October, extending the experiment for two years only in existing areas. Thierry Repentin emphasized that the proposal applies "notably" in those communes, a nuance currently being reviewed. Jacques Baudrier, a PCF deputy mayor of Paris, is pushing for additional measures, including stricter rules on "abusive" rent supplements and extending rent caps to co-living housing.