The Association of Mayors of France (AMF) is not calling for the repeal of the SRU law, but wishes to revise its implementation to better reflect local realities. It outlines several avenues for flexibility and distinguishes this position from its stance on rent control, which it does not support.
A law that divides mayors
The SRU law has sparked significant disagreements among mayors belonging to the AMF (Association of French Mayors), both regarding its principles and its implementation. To preserve the association’s unity, its Executive Committee indicated on April 1, 2025, that it was not calling for the abandonment of the mea at this stage.
The AMF would prefer to amend the rules to better reflect local circumstances. An internal working group has been established to study these changes and, according to the association, limit the punitive nature of the system.
Catch-up rules to be relaxed
Among the changes discussed is a relaxation of the catch-up deadlines when land is deemed unsuitable for construction. The AMF also wishes to adapt the conditions imposed on municipalities falling under the scope of the law, particularly newly formed municipalities.
Its proposals also include removing minimum thresholds and extending the three-year period. The association also wants to review the functioning of the departmental and national SRU commissions so that mayors play a more prominent role.
Finally, the AMF requests that the funds redistributed from these levies be allocated to the municipalities concerned. It also proposes that expenses related to social integration of new residents be deductible from the SRU levies.
A distinct position on rent control
Regarding rent control, the AMF (Association of French Mayors) indicates that it does not support the mea. Its Bureau, however, is in favor of allowing mayors already involved in the experiment to continue it, in the name of local self-government.
These positions were clarified by the AMF in a publication dated September 24, 2026.
Source: AMF (www.amf.asso.fr)
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