“In Paris or Marseille, I have never seen that”: a man and a pregnant woman rent unworthy accommodation, the owner uncontactable

Okay, here’s a breakdown of the article, summarizing the key information and themes:

Summary:

This article from La Dépêche reports on the desperate situation of tenants in a social housing (HLM) building in La Bastide-sur-l’Hers, Ariège, France. The building is in severe disrepair, plagued by mold, water infiltration, pigeon infestations, and generally unsanitary conditions.The owner is unresponsive to complaints and despite collecting rent (and housing assistance), refuses to undertake necessary renovations. Tenants are struggling with health issues exacerbated by the living conditions and are seeking legal and public avenues to force the owner to act. One unit has already been declared uninhabitable.

Key Points:

* Deteriorating Conditions: The building suffers from meaningful issues:
* Mold
* Water infiltration
* Pigeon infestations (including nests and droppings in the ceiling/attic spaces)
* general unsanitary conditions.
* Mushrooms growing in walls
* Unresponsive Landlord: The owner is impractical to contact. Calls go unanswered, and registered letters are returned. Despite this, rent and housing benefits are still being collected.
* Health Impacts: At least one tenant suffers from asthma exacerbated by the dust and mold. The overall condition is deemed “unsanitary and unworthy” by residents.
* Tenant Efforts:

* Online Petition: Arthur, one of the tenants, has launched a petition (https://www.change.org/p/exiger-la-r%C3%A9novation-du-b%C3%A2timent-insalubre-au-4-av-du-11-nov-1918-%C3%A0-la-bastide-sur-l-hers?recruiter=1399523276&recruited_by_id=21db70a0-f2e4-11f0-a3d6-8302be7cb56b&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=email) to compel the owner to make repairs.
* Reports to Authorities: Tenants regularly report the conditions to the government’s “Housing Signal” platform (https://signal-logement.beta.gouv.fr/).
* Considering Legal Action: Tenants acknowledge the possibility of legal action but are aware it will be a lengthy process.
* One Unit Condemned: One apartment in the building has already been officially declared uninhabitable.

Themes:

* Neglect of Social Housing: The article highlights a serious problem of neglected social housing and the failure of landlords to maintain properties.
* Tenant Rights vs. Landlord Responsibilities: The situation raises questions about the rights of tenants to safe and habitable living conditions and the responsibilities of landlords to provide them.
* Bureaucracy and Inaction: The article suggests that despite reporting the issues through official channels, the tenants haven’t seen any meaningful response.
* Exploitation: The landlord continues to collect rent despite the unlivable conditions, which could be viewed as exploitative.

Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any of these points or analyze the article further.

How can I protect myself from unresponsive landlords and unworthy rental accommodations when booking short‑term stays in Paris or Marseille?

“In Paris or Marseille, I have never seen that”: Navigating Unworthy Rental Accommodation & Unresponsive Landlords in France

The recent surge in short-term rental platforms has, unfortunately, opened the door to a growing number of distressing situations for tenants across France. Stories like the one circulating – a man and his pregnant partner finding themselves in substandard,unadvertised accommodation with an unreachable landlord – are becoming increasingly common. This isn’t just a Parisian or Marseillaise problem; it’s a nationwide concern impacting both tourists and those seeking longer-term rentals.Understanding your rights and knowing how to react is crucial.

The rise of Problematic Rentals: What’s Happening?

Several factors contribute to this issue. The popularity of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, while offering convenience, can sometimes lack the rigorous vetting processes of customary rental agencies. This allows unscrupulous landlords to list properties that don’t meet basic habitability standards.

* Misleading Listings: Photos can be heavily edited, or the property may be significantly different from its description.

* Lack of Transparency: Hidden fees, unclear cancellation policies, and a lack of details about the landlord are red flags.

* Increased Demand: Especially in popular tourist destinations like Paris, Nice, and Lyon, high demand can drive up prices and lower standards.

* “Ghost” Landlords: Landlords who are unresponsive to maintenance requests or emergencies, leaving tenants stranded.

Legal Protections for Tenants in France: your Rights

French law is generally protective of tenants, even in short-term rentals. The loi du 6 juillet 1989 (the law of July 6, 1989) establishes essential rights regarding habitable housing. Here’s a breakdown of key protections:

1. Habitability requirements: Rental properties must meet basic standards of habitability. This includes adequate heating, plumbing, electricity, and structural integrity. A property lacking these essentials is considered unfit for habitation.
2. Landlord Obligations: Landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and respond to necessary repairs.
3. Right to Redress: If a property is deemed uninhabitable, tenants have the right to demand repairs, a rent reduction, or even legal termination of the lease.
4. Deposit Protection: security deposits are regulated and must be returned within a specified timeframe (usually one to two months) after the end of the tenancy, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.

What to Do If You Find Yourself in Unworthy Accommodation

Immediate action is vital. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen, especially if a vulnerable person (like a pregnant woman) is involved.

* Document Everything: take detailed photos and videos of the issues. Keep copies of all dialog (emails, messages) with the landlord or rental platform.

* Formal Notice (Mise en Demeure): Send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) to the landlord outlining the problems and demanding repairs within a reasonable timeframe (typically 15-30 days). This is a crucial step for any future legal action.

* Contact the Rental Platform: Moast platforms have dispute resolution processes. Utilize these, but don’t rely on them solely.

* Seek Local Assistance:

* ADIL (Agence Départementale d’Information sur le Logement): Provides free legal advice on housing matters. They have offices in most departments.

* Local Town Hall (Mairie): Can offer guidance and possibly mediate with the landlord.

* Consumer Protection Associations (Associations de consommateurs): Like UFC-Que Choisir, can provide legal support and advice.

* Consider Legal Action: If the landlord remains unresponsive, you may need to pursue legal action through the tribunal d’instance (small claims court). Legal aid may be available depending on your income.

Preventing Problems: Due Diligence Before You Rent

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to minimize your risk:

* Read Reviews carefully: Pay attention to negative reviews, looking for patterns of complaints about cleanliness, accuracy of descriptions, or landlord responsiveness.

* Verify the Landlord’s Identity: Ask for proof of ownership or authorization to rent the property.

* Inspect the Property in Person (If Possible): A physical inspection allows you to assess the condition of the property firsthand.

* Understand the Lease Agreement: Read the lease carefully before signing, paying attention to clauses regarding repairs, cancellations, and deposit returns.

* check for a Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE): This energy performance certificate is legally required and provides information about the property’s energy efficiency.

* Beware of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: Extremely low prices can be a sign of a scam or a substandard property.

Real-World Example: The Marseille Case (2024)

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