According to information from Europe 1, unpaid condominium charges have increased sharply with the coronavirus.
Between the doubling of these charges over the past ten years and a drop in income for some co-owners, it is difficult to honor the bills.
A situation that worries the entire housing sector.
This is a trend accentuated by the coronavirus crisis which worries an entire sector.
According to information from Europe 1, unpaid condominium charges are on the rise.
Between the loss of income linked to the economic crisis of Covid-19, the doubling of these charges over the last ten years, but also the cost of building renovation work, particularly energy, encouraged by the State, some co-owners cannot more pay.
"Since the beginning of the year, I have at least two people who no longer pay", confirms at the microphone of Europe 1 Daniel, voluntary property manager who manages about fifteen apartments.
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"We are heading towards a housing crisis"
"I'm rather flexible but it is certain that it will not last," he adds.
Threats to turn off the heating, to take the case to court ... the situation is tense in some condominiums because of bad payers.
Because this can have serious consequences on the payment of water and electricity bills.
"As soon as we do not have the necessary cash, we have a dysfunction that puts the co-ownership in difficulty vis-à-vis suppliers", confirms Emile Hagege, general manager of ARC, the association of managers of co-ownership.
"It can also lead to the stopping of some building maintenance tasks, or even worse: if we had started renovations, it is the whole project that is put on hold."
All the players in the sector we interviewed are pessimistic, believing that the situation is not going to improve.
"It will be condominium bankruptcies, slow deaths. We are heading towards a housing crisis," predicts Emile Hagege.
"For some [condominiums], it could be bloody," slips David Rodriguez, of the CLCV (Consumer Housing Environment).
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A situation monitored by the Ministry of Housing
A situation on the way to becoming critical, in total contradiction with the government's stated desire to make energy renovation one of the major challenges of the recovery plan.
Certainly, aid is planned within the framework of MaPrimeRénov.
But they are only available when the energy gain is at least 35%.
Many will therefore have to take money out of their pockets.
A problem monitored very closely by the Ministry of Housing.