To strengthen social bonds across generations and ease the housing crisis for young adults, France's 2018 ELAN Law—officially the Law on Housing Development and Digital Technology—introduced supportive intergenerational cohabitation. This scheme enables seniors aged 60 and over to rent or sublet part of their home to individuals under 30, subject to clear legal conditions.
Supportive intergenerational cohabitation allows those aged 60+—whether homeowners, renters, or social housing tenants—to rent or sublet (with landlord notification, who cannot object) a portion of their home to someone under 30. Governed by the ELAN Law, this arrangement is formalized in an "intergenerational cohabitation contract," commonly called an "intergenerational lease," though it differs from traditional leases by emphasizing shared living.
The contract hinges on age requirements: the senior must be 60+, and the young person under 30.
This initiative tackles dual challenges: senior isolation—affecting over a million French seniors aged 60+ living alone, rising sharply among those 80+—and youth housing shortages amid low incomes and limited affordable options. The intergenerational lease offers daily companionship for seniors and budget-friendly housing for youth. Instead of market rent, young tenants provide a modest financial contribution covering only their share of utilities—often symbolic or even zero—mutually agreed upon (except in social housing).
To offset the low payment, the contract may include non-mandatory minor services from the young person, like companionship, shared meals, or small chores such as taking out the trash. These must not replace professional care services.
Young cohabitants qualify for aids like Personalized Housing Allowance (APL) or Housing Allowance (ALS), unless related to the senior. Seniors receiving APL won't see the youth's contribution factored into their eligibility calculations.
No fixed term is mandated; parties set it freely. Either can end the arrangement with just one month's notice.
