Housing and health crisis: housing measures

The housing crisis is even worse in times of health crisis. For good reason, if the reality of housing is not very bright in normal situation, the Covid makes the precarious populations even more vulnerable. On this subject, the Abbé Pierre Foundation estimates that “poor housing” affects about eight million people in France. “Poor housing” of course means people on the street, but also overcrowded dwellings, transitional accommodation and the risk of eviction. (1)

Health crisis: the growing housing shortage

The health crisis clearly plays an important role in amplifying pre-existing difficulties. This is true for the homeless, particularly exposed to the virus, as well as poorly housed populations. Thus, to protect the homeless, the state temporarily commandeered hotels. A necessary maneuver to fight the Covid-19 but which also immediately puts the finger on a concern for the durability of the device. As a matter of reason, no one knows at this time what will happen to these people after the end of the state of health emergency, scheduled for 1 June 2021.

Added to this are the problems associated with overcrowded housing. In France, it is estimated that this affects more than five million people. With the occasional closure of schools, the end of extra-curricular activities, telework and curfew at 6pm, they are whole families grouped all day in one space. Added to this are increased difficulties for single-parent families and the disabled. Thus, as the heart of family life, housing also exacerbates certain behaviours, including violence against women and children.

The health crisis that requires staying at home as much as possible and affecting the elderly more severely, it confirms and aggravates situations of isolation. In addition to loneliness, it also highlights the defects of housing. This is not only true for individual dwellings but also for collectives, such as Ehpad.

housing nine health crisis covid19
More than a question of quantity, the housing crisis is also a question of quality.

Between habitat to renovate and poorly thought-out spaces, a whole structural problem arises. Thus, as Christian LOUIS-VICTOR, president of ESPI, points out,communities need to evolve their real estate strategy. Especially in the city where the old dwellings are often dilapidated, and the new regularly prone to mischief.

Risks of eviction and winter truce

With the health crisis, the winter truce was extended until 31 May 2021. Thus, evictions cannot take place before. This government decision seeks to preserve the housing of the most vulnerable populations, particularly affected by the consequences of Covid-19. For good reason, at this time, rents do not benefit from any suspension. At the same time, the law allows a lessor to request the termination of the lease as soon as the first unpaid if the contract stipulates it. (2)

Good to know: upon receipt of the injunction to pay the rents, the tenant has two months to settle his debt or to refer the matter to the Judge to request additional payment deadlines.

So there are solutions for both landlords and tenants. As for the owners, the state compensates them during the winter break in case of unpaid bills. For tenants, different arrangements are possible in case of difficulties in paying rents. (2)

They are first invited to contact their landlord to find an amicable solution and negotiate payment deadlines. This is precisely in order to avoid the radical situation of deportation. In addition, they can also call on the Family Allowance Fund for a clean-up plan. Tenants can also turn to the Departmental Housing Information Agency. There are ADILs in every department, including Gironde.

On the financial aid side, it is possible to use Housing Action aids, which are specially strengthened to deal with the situation. Tenants can also apply to the Housing Solidarity Fund issued by each department.

housing former insecure people health crisis bordeaux
With declining activity, business closures and reduced wages, insecure populations are more at risk of eviction for unpaid rent.

Covid-19, exceptional measures for housing

In addition to extending the winter truce until 31 May 2021, the date of the end of the state of health emergency (3), the State has also taken other exceptional measures for housing.

The Housing Action assistance of 150 euros per month has been extended (4). Usually possible for 2 months, it now increases to 6 months, or up to 900 euros. Similarly, eligibility criteria have been relaxed. Normally, housing must weigh at least 40% of the household budget. From now on, it must be one-third. It is also aimed at unemployed and workers paid up to 1.5 SMIC, having lost at least 15% of their wages due to confinement.

In addition to these financial aids, the government is seeking to improve social support for housing. To do this, it strengthens the Integrated Reception and Orientation Services teams. On the programme, 150 new recruits for an additional budget of 8 million euros per year. (4)

In addition, it funds the opening of 1,500 places of accommodation and social support for young homeless mothers; supports the accommodation of homeless people in hotels; and provides an additional 5 million euros a year to facilitateaccess to private housing for the insecure. (4)

In total, within the Plan France Relance, the investment for housing amounts to 100 million euros. Measures needed to improve housing in France but most likely insufficient. They should therefore be renewed or completed in the coming months and years. In addition to working together with local authorities and housing actors.

Sources

  1. “Right to housing and a health crisis: having a home saves lives”, Village Justice, Laetitia Simon, Alexia Turpin and Mathilde Placer, 11 January 2021
  2. “Housing and health crisis”, Press release of the Order of Lawyers of the Bordeaux Bar, 8 February 2021
  3. Act 15 February 2021 extension state of health emergency to June 2021, Public Life, 16 February 2021
  4. Housing assistance for private sector employees weakened by the health crisis,Housing Action
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