Bail Rénov' aims to combat vacant housing in a context of "emergency"

"The renovation of the private rental stock is at the crossroads of two national emergencies: carbon neutrality by 2050 and the need to preserve a sufficient supply in a context of housing crisis," explained the president of Bail Rénov', Philippe Pelletier, during a press conference intended to draw up an initial assessment of the scheme.

It is both an association and a program, created in 2023 under the aegis of the Ministry of Ecological Transition.

The scheme, which is free and without means testing, has supported nearly 35.000 owners in the renovation of some 45.000 homes, said Director General Laure-Reine Gapp.

Bail Rénov' aims in particular to help restore energy-inefficient housing, or energy sieves, in order to keep them on the market and not worsen the crisis in the supply of rental properties.

Of the 7,7 million homes in the private rental stock, 1,1 million are energy inefficient, with an energy performance diagnosis (EPC) of F or G, banned from being rented since 2025 (G) or which will be in 2028 (F).

However, according to Bail Rénov', the fear of work or regulatory uncertainty can discourage owners of properties in poor condition, resulting in vacant housing: 2,4 million in the private sector.

"Without support, renovation can lead to the sale or withdrawal of the property. With support, it becomes a lever for putting it back on the market," emphasizes the association, which is counting on the government's "Zero Vacant Housing" platform, intended for local authorities, to identify and "capture" the owners it could help.

Bail Rénov' says it favours a "going towards" approach, meaning it approaches owners, while other programs respond to their requests.

Of the homeowners who have received support from the outset, 60% acquired their property through a rental investment scheme (and 32% through inheritance or donation). "Even these homeowners, who are generally aware of the economic implications, don't spontaneously take the plunge into energy-efficient renovations," the association notes. "This need for support is even more pronounced among homeowners with a less professional approach, particularly those who inherited their property."

The program now plans to "change scale" by the end of 2026, its director indicated, notably by strengthening territorialization, with the help of local associations, or by also supporting intermediaries (property managers, notaries or banks).

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.