Social housing: charges will reach an average of 300 euros per month in 2024

The costs borne by tenants in social housing increased by 24% between 2019 and 2024, according to the National Agency for the Control of Social Housing (Ancols). Their average amount reached 300 euros per dwelling per month in 2024, 19 euros more than in the private rental sector.

This increase is mainly due to the rise in energy prices following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Energy now accounts for more than half of the expenses, while building maintenance, including common areas and the interiors of apartments, represents about a quarter.

The maintenance of the common areas explains most of the difference.

The difference between the two housing stock does not stem solely from energy costs. According to Ancols, "the bulk of the gap between social housing and private rental housing comes from maintenance," particularly that of common areas.

This expense represents an average of €43 per dwelling per month in social housing, compared to €16 in the private rental sector. However, the layout of social housing buildings, communal facilities, services provided by landlords, and accounting methods may differ from those observed in the private sector.

The agency therefore advises caution in drawing conclusions from this discrepancy. The available data does not allow for an assessment of the relevance, quality, or effectiveness of maintenance and repair work carried out by social housing organizations.

A further study should help to harmonize the classification of expenses and accounting practices of the different donors.

"A study is currently underway to try to classify the practices of the different landlords in a more homogeneous way so that they can be compared," said Serge Bossini, Director General of Ancols.

Expenses are increasing faster than rents.

The share of service charges in social housing expenses has increased over the past five years. It rose from 37,2% in 2019 to 39,1% in 2024, with their increase outpacing that of rents.

The average monthly rent excluding charges for social housing reached 442 euros in 2024. Ancols reports an increase of 3,5% over one year.

Housing financed by a social rental loan (PLS), which corresponds to the category of social housing with the highest rent ceilings, has seen a more marked increase. Their average rent has exceeded 10 euros per m² for the first time, rising by 9% year-on-year.

Financial accessibility under pressure

These developments come at a time when the High Committee for the Right to Housing (HCLPD) is warning about the gap between rents in the social housing sector and the ceilings taken into account to calculate personalized housing assistance (APL).

Nearly 60% of social housing rents now exceed these ceilings. The fixed allowance for charges used in calculating housing benefit also remains far below the actual expenses incurred by households, thus reducing the ability of the benefit to help the most modest tenants afford housing.

"Today, the increase in rents in the social housing sector is decoupled from the increase in the incomes of households that are among the poorest 30%, which is a source of general concern," stressed Serge Bossini.

Despite this pressure on household budgets, the rate of unpaid rents decreased slightly in 2024. It fell from 1,7% in 2023 to 1,6%.