Tenancy and tenancy regulation in France

Abstract

In spite of the remarkable long-term stability, at the national level, of the share of the land in France under owner-operation, at about one half of farmland, there have been regional changes, with tenancy increasing in mostly owner-occupied areas and owner-occupation increasing in mostly rented areas. Intra-family tenancy has developed at the expense of renting from outside landlords. This has come about in part because of the tenancy regulations, set up since 1946, which are very favourable to tenants. The decline of the traditional landlord has led to the quest for a new type of corporate landlord: Groupements Fonciers Agricoles, have been introduced but are still of minor importance.