Report of the HOUS mission to Paris, France

The report details the findings and observations from a mission undertaken by members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the Housing Crisis (HOUS) in Paris, France. The mission aimed to explore innovative housing solutions and address the pressing housing crisis that affects numerous populations across Europe. The report is authored by a delegation including Irene Tinagli (S&D), Maravillas Abadía Jover (PPE), and Leila Chaibi (The Left), among others.

The mission took place on September 12, 2025, and included a delegation of five HOUS members, who were accompanied by members of the secretariat. Key topics of discussion included the French housing model, social housing policies, short-term rental regulations, and various stakeholder perspectives. The delegation met with representatives from significant organizations, including the Fondation pour le Logement des défavorisés and Habitat et Humanisme, to gain insights into the challenges and successes of the current housing landscape.

The discussions highlighted several critical issues, including the gap between legislative frameworks and actual implementation of housing rights. The French DALO law (Droit au Logement Opposable) is often cited as a model for enshrining housing as a legal right but faces challenges in practical enforcement, with many vulnerable individuals struggling to access these rights due to legal complexity. The mission underscored the importance of legal support as a systemic response to these challenges, exemplified by the Espace Solidarité Habitat's structured approach in providing assistance to approximately 5,000 poorly housed households annually.

Habitat et Humanisme operates on a hybrid financing model that combines private investment, public subsidies, and solidarity initiatives to provide affordable housing solutions. The organization manages over 13,000 housing units across France, demonstrating a commitment to social impact and innovation. They employ strategies like solidarity investment and corporate social investment to mobilize resources for vulnerable populations, addressing both immediate housing needs and long-term sustainability.

The report also details the recent French law aimed at regulating short-term rentals, which has seen a significant rise from 300,000 to 800,000 properties in just five years. This surge has contributed to a housing crisis impacting over 14.6 million people in France. The law introduces mandatory rental declarations and aligns energy performance standards for short-term rentals with those of long-term housing, highlighting a comprehensive approach to balancing regulatory frameworks.

The mission included site visits to various housing projects, such as the 'STHRAU' initiative focusing on energy efficiency upgrades and the 'La maison des Thermophyles,' which showcases community-driven housing solutions for low-income individuals. These projects illustrate how Paris is integrating ecological considerations into its housing policies while promoting social inclusion and community empowerment.

The findings from the Paris mission underscore the necessity of bridging the gap between policy ambition and practical enforcement in housing rights. The insights gained from the French experience can inform broader European housing policies, emphasizing the need for accessible support structures and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that vulnerable populations can exercise their housing rights effectively. The report advocates for a comprehensive approach to housing that aligns social, ecological, and participatory goals, offering valuable lessons for European cities facing similar challenges.