EPC and property diagnostics
The energy performance certificate (EPC, in French "DPE") and the mandatory technical diagnostics now govern every sale and every rental in France. Since the Climate and Resilience Act of 22 August 2021, the EPC has become legally binding, an energy audit is required for thermal sieves put up for sale, and a progressive timetable is banning the rental of the most energy-intensive dwellings. This guide takes stock, question by question, of what you can and must do to sell or rent a property in full compliance, drawing on the legislation in force.
All questions
Yes, you are free to sell a thermal sieve rated F or G. No obligation to carry out works falls on the seller. However, for a single-ownership dwelling, you must provide a regulatory energy audit (mandatory since 1 April 2023) and state the energy class and energy costs in the advertisement and the deed.
The price of an EPC is not regulated: it is most often between 100 and 250 euros, depending on the property and the surveyor. An EPC is in principle valid for 10 years. However, transitional rules have shortened the validity of EPCs drawn up before 1 July 2021.
The energy audit is mandatory when selling a single-ownership dwelling (house or entire building) according to a progressive timetable: classes F and G since 1 April 2023, class E since 1 January 2025, and class D from 1 January 2034.
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 mandatory diagnostics depend on the property and the transaction. At the point of sale, these include the EPC, asbestos, lead (CREP), the state of risks (ERP), gas, electricity, termites, non-collective sanitation and the Carrez measurement. For rental, a more limited set applies.
Since 1 July 2021, the EPC is legally binding: an erroneous EPC can trigger the liability of the surveyor, the seller or the landlord. The aggrieved buyer or tenant can claim compensation for the harm suffered, or even a reduction in the price or the rent before the court.
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