No, squatting in France is criminalized under the 2007 Loi DALO and penal code provisions, with offenders facing up to 3 years imprisonment and €45,000 fines. Property owners may seek immediate eviction via référé proceedings, while local DDPP (Regional Directorates for Consumer Affairs) enforces compliance. Recent 2026 amendments tighten penalties for organized squatting rings exploiting vacant properties.
Key Regulations for Squatting in France
- Penal Code Article 315-1: Classifies squatting as squatage, punishable by 1–3 years imprisonment and fines up to €45,000, with aggravated penalties for group actions or violence.
- Loi DALO (2007) & 2026 Amendments: Mandates référé eviction within 48 hours for owners proving occupancy interruption, while DDPP monitors compliance with housing market regulations.
- Civil Code Article 2284: Property owners retain full rights to reclaim possession; squatters bear the burden of proving adverse possession (usucapion) after 30 years—nearly impossible in urban zones due to PLU (Local Urban Plans) restrictions.
Enforcement prioritizes urban areas via Brigades de Répression de la Délinquance Itinérante (BRDI), targeting high-risk zones like Île-de-France where squatting networks exploit tourist vacancies. Owners must document property status with cadastre records to expedite legal proceedings.