Starting January 1, 2025, numerous legislative changes will alter the daily lives of citizens across various sectors, from housing and health to environmental regulations. These measures, driven by laws aimed at enhancing public welfare and sustainability, signify meaningful shifts for individuals, businesses, and local governments.
Housing Regulations and Energy Efficiency
One of the most impactful changes will be the prohibition of renting homes classified as Class G under the energy performance diagnostic (DPE). Homes defined with this classification are considered energy-intensive and will no longer be permissible for rental as part of the "Climat et résilience" Law enacted on August 22, 2021. This regulation is intended to address the challenge of 'thermal sieves' and promote greater energy efficiency across the housing sector.
Further related changes involve tourism rentals, where new tax regulations will be introduced from the law adopted on November 19, 2024, aimed at enhancing local regulation of furnished tourism rentals. A new tax exemption rate of 50% will be established for classified furnished rentals and guest rooms, within the limit of €77,700 annual rental income, and 30% for non-classified rentals up to €15,000.
Property owners near classified fire-risk forest massifs must also adjust to new obligations. They will be required to inform buyers or tenants about the mandatory clearing of their land. This change aims to strengthen fire prevention strategies, which is increasingly relevant during heightened wildfire risk.
Changes to Personal Financial Support
2025 will witness a revaluation of personal housing assistance (APL) calculation parameters, reflecting increased support for individuals seeking housing aid. Along with this, pensions will see a 2.2% increase, aligning with inflationary trends. This adjustment follows the motion of censure passed against the government on December 4, 2024, emphasizing the administration's commitment to senior citizens' financial security.
Notably, the annual interest rate on housing savings plans will decrease from 2.25% to 1.75%, though this will not affect existing contracts established prior to January 1, 2025.
The legal interest rate, used to calculate penalties for delayed payments, has also been adjusted. From January 1, 2025, the legal interest rate for non-professional claims will be set at 7.21%, with other categories drawing upon 3.71%, significantly impacting financial obligations.
Health Initiatives and Elderly Support
Changes are set to improve support for caregivers with the renewal of the Daily Allowance for Caregivers (AJPA). Starting 2025, those aiding multiple individuals can renew their benefits, allowing for 66 days of compensation for each person they help, up to 264 days of support during their lifetime. This new policy will significantly ease the burden for individuals balancing caregiving responsibilities across different family members.
The children's health booklet is being revised to include valuable resources on screen usage, mandatory health examinations, and mental health guidance for adolescents, ensuring comprehensive preventative measures are established from early childhood through adolescence.
Environmental Initiatives
Significant environmental regulations will also come to the forefront starting January 2025, particularly the ban on the use of plastic food containers by childcare facilities, such as schools and daycare centers located within municipalities of at least 2,000 residents. This initiative aims to reduce plastic usage significantly and promote sustainability from early childhood.
Enhancements to ecological bonuses for low-pollution vehicles will include changes to the amounts for newly purchased cars and the budgetary framework for these subsidies. Notably, the ecological bonus for new vans will be eliminated, along with incentives for two- and three-wheeled vehicles and bicycles.
New restrictions are also being imposed on Crit'Air 3 vehicles. From January 2025, cities will enforce stricter regulations during specified hours, limiting the access of these vehicles within low-emission zones (ZFE) to combat urban air pollution.
Public Transport and Infrastructure Changes
The decentralization of road management is emphasized under new legislation, which empowers regional authorities. Starting next year, experimental rights will be granted to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Grand Est regions to manage nearly 1,280 kilometers of national roadway. This move intends to localize transport solutions and address regional mobility needs more effectively.
Finally, the monitoring of driver work hours will tighten with amended regulations concerning tachographs, extending data control periods to 56 days to promote responsible working hours among road transport workers.
The essence of these changes reflects a broader commitment to improve energy efficiency, public health, and sustainability, and will require collective adaptation from residents, businesses, and local governments alike as the new year approaches.