Changes taking place in France in November 2018
Changes next month include the annual suspension of landlord eviction of tenants until next year, a rise in the maximum benefits for disabled adults, and a rise in gas prices.
Winter landlord respite
From November 1 2018, the annual “trêve hivernale (winter respite)” will come into force. It lasts from November 1 to March 31 of the next year, and bans landlords from evicting tenants during this period.
There are only two exceptions: tenants may be evicted if the property in question is found to be dangerous and issued with a decree to that effect; or if the evicted tenant and their family are being moved to another suitable property.
Landlords can still enter into legal proceedings to evict their tenants, and if successful in court, the eviction will take place as soon as the respite period ends.
During the winter period, even squatters can only be evicted by a judge ruling.
Disabled benefits
Next month will also see a reevaluation of benefits for adult disabled people. The Allocation aux Adultes Handicapés (AAH) maximum will rise to €860 per month.
The top amount for the benefit, which is intended to “guarantee dignity for disabled people” and help them out of poverty, is currently €819.
This is the first annual rise expected; the amount is also set to rise to €900 per month in November 2019.
Gas prices
Regulated gas prices are also set to rise, from energy company Engie, whose prices will rise an average of 5.79% on November 1, compared to the same measure from October.
The rise was confirmed by energy regulator La Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie (CRE) in October.
Depending on your tariff and energy plan, base gas prices will rise an average of 1.9% (for cooking), 3.6% for cooking and hot water; and 6% for heating.
People on a fixed rate energy contract will not be affected.
