Mandatory Technical Surveys (“diagnostics immobiliers”) for Buying and Renting Property in France

1. Mandatory technical surveys for buying and renting property in France

The “dossier de diagnostic technique / DDT” is a comprehensive package of mandatory technical surveys and reports covering the condition of a property in France. It is required by law to provide prospective buyers and tenants with detailed information about the state of the property. The surveys cover not only structural defects but also energy performance and environmental aspects.

2. When are technical surveys mandatory in France?

Technical surveys are required by law in France both on the sale and on the rental of property.

On the purchase of a French property, the “dossier de diagnostic technique” must be attached to the preliminary contract (“compromis de vente” or “promesse de vente”). Where only a final deed of sale is concluded without a preliminary contract, the surveys must be attached to that deed.

On the rental of a property in France, the “dossier de diagnostic technique” must also be attached to the tenancy agreement at the time of signing or renewal.

3. What types of mandatory technical surveys exist?

a. “diagnostic de performance énergétique” (DPE) — Energy performance certificate

The energy performance certificate (DPE) is a mandatory document that must be provided on the sale or rental of any property. It is produced by a certified surveyor and assesses the energy consumption of the building and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. The result is expressed in energy classes from A (best) to G (worst). The energy class directly affects running energy costs, the need for renovation, the legal ability to let the property, and its market value.

Since 1 January 2025, an additional energy audit (“audit énergétique”) is mandatory on the sale of certain residential buildings. This applies to buildings with one or more dwelling units that are not within a condominium and are rated in energy classes E, F or G. From 1 January 2034, class D will also fall within this requirement. The energy audit sets out concrete improvement scenarios and provides buyers with a transparent assessment of anticipated renovation costs.

DPE reform since 1 January 2026

Since 1 January 2026, the calculation method for the DPE has changed: the conversion factor for electricity has been reduced from 2.3 to 1.9. As a result, electrically heated properties are now assessed more accurately. Before the reform, electrically heated buildings were sometimes rated worse than gas or oil-heated properties — despite lower CO₂ emissions. This distortion has now been corrected.

b. “constat de risque d’exposition au plomb” (CREP) — Lead survey

The lead exposure risk report (CREP) is mandatory where the building or part of it used for residential purposes was constructed before 1 January 1949. For blocks of flats, only the residential parts need to be surveyed, not the entire building.

c. “état relatif à la présence d’amiante” — Asbestos survey

The asbestos survey is mandatory in France for buildings whose planning permission was issued before 1 July 1997. It establishes whether asbestos is present, its condition, and whether remediation works are required. For blocks of flats, both the privately owned units and the common parts must be surveyed.

d. État de l’installation intérieure d’électricité / de gaz — Electrical and gas installation surveys

These surveys assess the condition of the electrical and gas installations. They are required where the installation was carried out more than fifteen (15) years ago.

e. “état des risques naturels et technologiques” (ERP) — Natural and technological risks report

The natural and technological risks report informs prospective buyers and tenants of technical hazards and potential harmful environmental influences related to the location of the property. These include natural risks such as flooding, earthquakes and forest fires, as well as man-made risks such as elevated radon levels.

f. “état des nuisances et bruits” — Noise and aircraft noise report

A noise and aircraft noise report is mandatory where the property is located within one of the noise zones defined in the local aircraft noise exposure plan.

g. “assainissement non collectif” — Non-mains drainage report

A non-mains drainage report is mandatory on the sale of a residential property that is not connected to the public sewage network.

h. “État relatif à la présence de termites / mérules” — Termites and dry rot

A termite and dry rot survey may be mandatory depending on the region in which the property is located. These surveys confirm that the building is not affected by wood-destroying organisms.

i. “Certificat de conformité de l’appareil de chauffage au bois” — Wood-burning appliance compliance certificate

Where the property is located within the scope of an air quality protection plan, a certificate confirming that the heating appliance complies with the installation and emission standards set by the prefectural authority must be obtained.

j. “Diagnostic Métrage (loi Carrez)” — Floor area survey

The “loi Carrez” floor area survey certifies the surface area of the privately owned unit on the purchase of a condominium share. If the survey is absent, the buyer may subsequently invoke the nullity of the sale contract. If the measured floor area deviates by more than one twentieth from the area stated in the contract, the buyer has the right to seek a proportional reduction in the purchase price.

k. “diagnostic technique global de l’immeuble en copropriété” (DTG) — Building technical survey

Since 1 January 2017, the sale of shares in condominium buildings used wholly or partly for residential purposes requires the provision of a comprehensive building technical survey (DTG). The document informs the co-owners of the overall condition of the building and includes a cost estimate and a list of works required over the next ten (10) years.

l. “carnet d’information du logement” (CIL) — Property information log

Since 1 January 2023, owners are required to create a property information log following the construction or major renovation of a dwelling. It records information about the characteristics of the property and previous works relevant to assessing energy efficiency and planning future renovations.

m. “obligation légale de débroussaillement” (OLD) — Vegetation clearance obligation

Since 1 January 2025, new legal obligations apply to owners of properties in areas at heightened risk of forest or vegetation fires. Sellers must now indicate in property listings any existing obligations relating to fire prevention — in particular the obligation to maintain vegetation clearance (“débroussaillement”).

4. How long are the surveys valid?

The validity period of each survey varies considerably:

Survey / Report	Validity
Energy performance certificate (DPE)	10 years 5 years for the “audit énergétique” (classes E, F, G)
Lead survey (CREP)	1 year (sale) 6 years (tenancy) Indefinite if no lead detected
Asbestos survey	Indefinite (surveys produced before 1 February 2012 must be renewed)
Electrical and gas installation surveys	3 years (sale) 6 years (tenancy)
Natural and technological risks (ERP)	6 months
Noise and aircraft noise report	No statutory time limit
Non-mains drainage report	3 years
Termite survey	6 months
Dry rot survey	No statutory time limit
Floor area survey (loi Carrez)	Indefinite

5. Who bears the cost of the surveys?

In principle, the seller or landlord bears the cost of producing the required surveys (approximately €300–900). Estate agents instructed to manage the sale or letting often arrange for the surveys to be commissioned on behalf of the owner.

6. What sanctions and risks arise from failing to provide the surveys?

The consequences of failing to provide the required surveys vary depending on which survey is missing. They range from the application of stricter implied warranty rules against the seller, to the potential nullity of the contract, to criminal sanctions.

Where the seller fails to provide one or more mandatory surveys at the time of signing the preliminary contract, they will be liable to the buyer for latent defects (“garantie des vices cachés”). The surveys affected by this rule are:

• the lead exposure risk report (CREP)
• the asbestos survey
• the electrical and gas installation surveys
• the termite survey
• the non-mains drainage report

If the “loi Carrez” floor area survey is absent at the time of signing the preliminary contract, the buyer may seek a proportional reduction in the purchase price where the measured area deviates by more than one twentieth (1/20) from the stated area. If absent from the final deed of sale, the buyer may invoke nullity of the contract within one month of completion.

Where the natural and technological risks report or the noise and aircraft noise report is missing, the buyer may seek rescission of the contract or a court-ordered reduction in the purchase price.

Where a landlord fails to provide the lead survey or takes no steps to reduce lead exposure, they may be held criminally liable for breach of specific safety and supervisory obligations.