Rent control
Faced with the difficulty of access to housing noted in the city of Montpellier and to enable everyone to access housing commensurate with their income, the rent control scheme has been in force since July 1, 2022.
Rent control in Montpellier explained
Rent controls are a way of limiting rent levels in areas of high real estate tension and preventing abusive rents. The rent control order determines a reference rent (excluding charges), a floor rent and a ceiling rent not to be exceeded.
Rent control has been a mandatory rule in Montpellier since July 1, 2022.
Which leases and which homes are affected?
Accommodation concerned:
- Empty and furnished rentals,
- Main or mixed-use residences (professional and main residence),
- Mobility leases.
Rent controls apply to leases signed since July 1, 2022:
- 1st rentals,
- changes of tenants,
- lease renewals,
- mobility leases.
This is in addition to the annual decree limiting increases in the event of re-rentals.
This does not apply to:
- Housing managed by a HLM or SEM
- Housing under ANAH agreement
- Housing subject to the 1948 law
- Seasonal rental contracts (furnished tourist accommodation)
- Furnished accommodation operated or managed with services
How does it work?
Each year, the Préfet de l'Hérault sets by decree:
- A reference rent
- An increased reference rent (= reference rent + 20%) = ceiling not to be exceeded
- A reduced reference rent (= reference rent - 30%)
The reference rent is determined according to 4 criteria:
- Geographical area
- Number of rooms
- Episode of construction
- Empty or furnished
Rents are quoted per m² of living space and excluding charges.
Note: exceptionally, when the property presents exceptional characteristics in comparison with dwellings of the same category located in the same geographical area, a rent supplement may be requested by the lessor.
Make a simulation to find out how much your rent will be
An online simulator is available to find out the reference rent for your property and check whether your rent complies with the rent framework:
I'm an owner
I'm a tenant
Frequently asked questions
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