Rent control: in the metropolis of Lyon, 200,000 euros were returned to tenants

The Rhône prefecture has taken stock of the rent controls put in place since November 1, 2021 in Lyon and Villeurbanne. The system made it possible to reimburse tenants 200,000 euros of overpayments by owners.

Like other cities, Lyon and Villeurbanne have implemented rent controls. This measure has been applied since November 2021. This Wednesday, October 2, Vanina Nicoli, delegated prefect for equal opportunities in the Rhône, took stock of the system which is in the testing phase until November 2026, reports

News Lyon

. She confirmed that some landlords had had to reimburse tenants whose rents were too high according to the law.

A simulation tool has been set up to allow tenants to know if their landlord is complying with the law and to make a report if not. Currently, 50 cases are being investigated. Since the start of the test, 184 reports have been recorded, including 134 in 2024. 95% of procedures have resulted in amicable compensation, specifies

News Lyon

.

200,000 euros in overpayments by owners

In total, 200,000 euros in overpayments were returned to tenants who made a report. This represents an average of 1,843 euros per file. In the event that an owner ordered to return the overpayment does not comply, he risks a fine of up to 5,000 euros. Six lessors have already received sanctions of this type.

The Departmental Directorate for Population Protection (DDPP) also controlled professional organizations. Out of 36 real estate agencies inspected in 2023, 12 received an injunction, followed by a rent review. Between January and August 2024, the proportion is 7 out of 15.

“Before the system was put in place, we had a fairly significant increase in rents. After two years, this increase was curbed”

rejoices the prefect.