What are the laws on squatting in France?

[sharminsultana]

Squatter eviction laws have recently changed in France as the government works to make it easier to evict squatters from your property.

The goal is to allow landowners to evict illegal squatters faster – within around 72 hours – compared to months it could take previously.

It’s called the accelerated forced evacuation procedure.

The new rules also mean that second homes are now treated the same as primary residences. Previously, the law only allowed the eviction process to be speeded up if the property in question was the owner’s main residence.


What if my property is squatted and I want to evict it?
To initiate the eviction procedure, you must file a complaint with the phone number library local police or gendarmerie as soon as possible, who will then bring the matter to the local prefect.

You will need to show proof – usually the proof of sale (called theauthentic deed of sale Where final deed of sale) – that the squatted property belongs to you and that the squatters are there illegally.

If you cannot prove your ownership, the property is your primary or secondary residence, and squatting is illegal, then your eviction request may be denied.

Owners are encouraged to make copies of their final deed of sale (by scanning it or taking good quality photos) and storing them digitally or on paper separate from the house, as the documents are otherwise usually kept on the property, and would be inaccessible in the case of squatters.