France’s “Anti-Squat” Law: What Changed and What You Must Know in 2026
Over the past few years, illegal occupation of properties commonly referred to as squatting has become a major issue in France. Many property owners have faced long, expensive and stressful procedures to recover their homes, sometimes losing months (or even years) of rent and suffering significant damage. To respond to this growing problem, France adopted a major reform widely known as the “Anti-Squat Law”, officially: ➡️ Law n°2023-668 of 27 July 2023, often called the Kasbarian-Bergé Law. In 2026, this law is fully in force and continues to reshape property law in France through harsher penalties, faster eviction procedures, and stronger protection of ownership rights. LGH Patrimoine explains clearly what this law means in practice for owners, landlords, investors, and tenants.
Hadrien Celarie
Agent immobilier
1) What is considered “squatting” under French law?
In legal terms, squatting refers to the occupation of a property without any legal right or permission, meaning the occupant has no valid title, lease, or consent from the owner.
It can involve:
a main residence
a secondary residence
a vacant property
a professional or commercial unit
⚠️ Important clarification: a tenant who stops paying rent is not legally considered a squatter.
A tenant has a signed lease contract, meaning eviction follows a different legal process.
2) Stronger criminal penalties since the Anti-Squat Law
One of the most significant changes introduced by the 2023 law is the strengthening of criminal sanctions.
Illegal occupation of a property is now punishable by up to:
3 years in prison
€45,000 fine
This reform aims to make squatting far more risky and dissuasive.
📌 Official source: Law n°2023-668 (Légifrance).
3) Faster evictions through an administrative procedure
Before the reform, owners often had to go through a long court procedure that could last several months (sometimes over a year).
The anti-squat law strengthened and clarified an accelerated administrative eviction procedure.
How does it work?
If a property is illegally occupied, the owner can:
Have the illegal occupation officially confirmed (police or bailiff / judicial officer).
File a complaint.
Contact the Prefect (local government authority).
The Prefect can issue a formal notice ordering occupants to leave.
If they refuse, law enforcement may carry out eviction.
This administrative procedure is now one of the most effective tools available to recover illegally occupied properties.
📌 Official legal basis: Légifrance text of the law.
4) Winter eviction ban (“trêve hivernale”): a key point in 2026
Many owners assume evictions are impossible during winter.
In reality, the law confirms a major rule:
✅ The winter eviction ban does not protect squatters.
Squatters can be evicted at any time of the year.
However:
tenants in rent arrears may still be affected by winter protection rules, depending on the court procedure.
📌 Explanation and legal interpretation (real estate / insurance professionals).
5) Squatting vs rent arrears: the most common confusion
This law is often misunderstood because people mix two very different situations:
🔹 Case 1: Squatter
No lease
No permission
Illegal entry and illegal occupation
➡️ Administrative eviction procedure possible
🔹 Case 2: Tenant in arrears
Lease contract signed
Occupation was legal at the start
Rent debt situation
➡️ Court procedure required
This distinction is critical because rights and legal protections are not the same.
📌 Legal analysis and clarification (law professional source).
6) What this law changes for owners and investors in 2026
For property owners, landlords and investors, the anti-squat law provides major improvements:
✅ Stronger protection of property rights
The French legal system now treats squatting as a more serious attack on ownership rights.
✅ Faster procedures
The administrative route helps reduce the long delays that previously harmed owners.
✅ Stronger deterrence
Higher penalties reduce the attractiveness of illegal occupation.
✅ Clearer legal framework
The law clarifies procedures and reinforces the role of public authorities.
📌 Official legal text: Légifrance.
7) LGH Patrimoine recommendations: what to do if your property is squatted
If you discover illegal occupation, acting fast is essential.
LGH Patrimoine best practices:
Never attempt a forced eviction yourself (this can expose you to criminal charges).
Contact police and/or a judicial officer (commissaire de justice).
File a formal complaint immediately.
Gather proof of ownership (title deed, property tax, invoices, etc.).
Request administrative action through the Prefect as soon as possible.
The sooner the process starts, the more likely it will be resolved quickly.
8) A long-term reform shaping French real estate law in 2026
In 2026, the anti-squat law remains one of the most important recent reforms in French real estate law.
It clearly reflects a new direction:
➡️ Squatting is treated as a serious criminal offence.
➡️ Eviction procedures are more efficient.
➡️ Owners benefit from stronger legal protection.
➡️ The winter eviction ban is no longer a shield for illegal occupation.
This reform responds to a fundamental reality: property ownership often represents a lifetime of savings, a family asset, or a long-term investment. French law has therefore reinforced protection of private property.
Conclusion: Key takeaways
The French “anti-squat” law significantly strengthens the rights of property owners and investors. It provides a clearer and faster response to illegal occupation while making squatting far more punishable.
At LGH Patrimoine, we encourage property owners and investors to remain vigilant, secure their assets (insurance, monitoring, property management), and react immediately in case of illegal occupation.
