What is the timetable for banning the rental of energy-intensive dwellings?
The rental of the most energy-intensive dwellings is progressively banned via the energy decency criterion: class G banned from rental since 1 January 2025, class F from 1 January 2028 and class E from 1 January 2034 (in mainland France).
The principle: the energy decency of the dwelling
The ban does not rest on an automatic fine but on the notion of a decent dwelling. Since the Climate and Resilience Act, a minimum level of energy performance has been integrated into the decency criteria: a dwelling that does not reach it can no longer be offered for rent as a main residence under a new lease or a renewal.
A first threshold has applied since 1 January 2023: dwellings whose final energy consumption exceeds a ceiling (the most energy-intensive of class G) are already considered indecent. The scheme then ramps up by whole class.
- Energy performance is a decency criterion for the dwelling
- An indecent dwelling cannot be rented out as a main residence
- First threshold since 1 January 2023 for the most consuming G-rated dwellings
The deadlines by class (mainland France)
The ban timetable is staggered over several years, first hitting class G, then F, then E. This timetable is the one in force; it may be subject to legislative adjustments, which should be checked at the time of renting.
- Since 1 January 2025: class G banned from rental
- From 1 January 2028: class F banned from rental
- From 1 January 2034: class E banned from rental
What the landlord risks and the tenant's remedies
A dwelling that does not comply with the energy decency criterion cannot be the subject of a new lease, a renewal or an automatic extension. During the lease, the tenant of a dwelling that has become indecent can require the landlord to carry out the necessary works, and failing that refer the matter to the court, which may in particular order the works or reduce the rent.
The ban does not render the lease void and does not oblige the sitting tenant to leave the premises, but it deprives the landlord of the possibility of re-letting or renewing as long as the dwelling is not brought up to standard. Specific rules exist for the overseas territories and for certain situations (technical, heritage or architectural constraints, notably in co-ownership).
Frequently asked questions
Does a sitting tenant have to leave if the dwelling is rated G?
No. The ban does not evict the tenant and does not break the current lease. It prevents the landlord from concluding a new lease, renewing or extending it. The sitting tenant can, on the other hand, require works to bring the dwelling up to standard.
Does the ban apply to seasonal rentals?
The energy decency criterion targets the rental of the tenant's main residence. Short-term rentals (tourist furnished accommodation) fall under a different regime, which is moreover the subject of recent legislative changes. Check the framework applicable to your situation.
Is the timetable the same everywhere in France?
No. The deadlines indicated concern mainland France. Specific and staggered timetables apply in the overseas territories, owing to climatic particularities and the adaptation of the EPC method to those territories.
Read next
- Loi n° 2021-1104 du 22 août 2021 (loi Climat et Résilience), article 160
- Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989, article 6 (logement décent)
- Code de la construction et de l'habitation, article L.173-2 (niveau de performance minimal)
- Décret n° 2021-19 du 11 janvier 2021 (critère de performance énergétique du logement décent)
- Service-Public.fr - Location : logement décent et performance énergétique
- ANIL - Interdiction de louer les passoires thermiques
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