Winter evictions banned and bike gloves obligatory
Winter truce starts for tenants and energy users while smokers given push to quit and bikers forced to wear gloves
This month sees a range of changes in laws, gas prices and even Airbnb Ts&Cs along with the start of the winter ‘truce’ on evictions.
The truce means that landlords are banned from evicting tenants and gas and electricity companies cannot cut off supplies.
During the five months of winter until March 31 landlords who ignore the ban face three years’ jail and fines up to €30,000.
Tenants who have already been given notice to quit are not obliged to leave until the end of the truce and not even police officers can force them to leave – although they can leave if they want to.
Energy suppliers cannot cut gas or electricity to people who have not paid their bills but are allowed to reduce the quantity of energy supplies, except for people on low-pay tariffs.
Gas prices themselves may also rise as No1 supplier Engie has announced that its seven million customers will pay an extra 1.59% on average. However, gas prices have fallen 5.8% since the start of this year.
Smokers are being encouraged to give up for this month with the government’s 'Moi(s) sans tabac' campaign, which is similar to the UK’s Stoptober. Free kits are available at chemists with information – in French – on how to stop and suggesting that a 30-day break could be a major step towards quitting altogether.
The Health Ministry says stopping for November with others doing the same will give five times the chance of quitting as just stopping alone. It has also increased the annual reimbursement for nicotine substitutes from €50 to €150.
Motorcyclists and scooter users will be forced to use gloves while riding from November 20 – as are pillion passengers - and anyone caught in a police check faces a €45 fine, increased to €68 if not paid in 15 days, plus losing a point from the driving licence.
Airbnb has brought in new terms and conditions and anyone now using the app or website must agree to respect an ethics charter on sex, race, age and disability discrimination. Anyone refusing to sign up will no longer be allowed to use the service.
