What are the mandatory diagnostics for renting a furnished apartment in Paris?

Before you rent out your furnished apartment, you'll be required to provide a series of mandatory property diagnostics. In this new article, we reveal the usefulness of these diagnostics, which will be essential for a successful rental that complies with legislation!

What is a property diagnostic?

A real estate diagnostic is a technical assessment carried out by a professional, certified real estate diagnostician, with the aim of evaluating the condition of a property, identifying possible risks and providing objective information on its technical characteristics.

All these diagnostics make up the Technical Diagnostic File (DDT in French), which is appended to the lease contract when it is signed. When renewing a lease, the owner is required to update some of these diagnostics, which may have different validity dates.

Why is it important to carry out these diagnostics?

COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION

By complying with diagnostic legislation, owners ensure that they meet their legal obligations, avoiding legal problems and potential disputes.

TRANSPARENCY AND IMPARTIALITY IN HOUSING PERFORMANCE

Diagnostics provide objective documentation on the condition of a property, enabling both parties to make informed decisions. What's more, prior knowledge of the property's performance and risks helps avoid unpleasant surprises. Last but not least, impartiality is guaranteed when a qualified professional carries out the diagnostics.

PROTECTION FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

On the tenant's side, diagnostics help identify potential health and safety risks. They also ensure that all installations comply with safety standards and are in good working order. Diagnostics provide tenants with tangible proof of the property's condition when they move in, making it easier to resolve any disputes during the tenancy.
On the landlord's side, diagnostics help limit liability in the event of hidden defects. For example, if the tenant reports a problem that is not indicated on the diagnostic, the landlord can use this evidence to demonstrate that he was unaware of the problem.

ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP OF MUTUAL TRUST BETWEEN TENANT AND LANDLORD

The ultimate aim of diagnostics is to establish a solid, balanced relationship between the owner and the tenant by serving as a common reference and encouraging shared responsibility, enabling both parties to discuss the results of the diagnostics, ask questions and resolve any concerns, thus avoiding disagreements over the condition of the property on the tenant's entry and exit.

What are the mandatory diagnostics?

1. ENERGY PERFORMANCE diagnostic (DPE)

The Energy Performance Certificate (DPE in French) is the best-known diagnostic. It aims to assess the energy performance of a property, providing information on its energy consumption and associated environmental impact.
The DPE is based on a number of parameters, such as thermal insulation, heating system, ventilation, domestic hot water production, energy sources used, and so on. The DPE must contain at least the following: energy consumption (in kWh/m²/year); energy rating (energy label from A to G, A being the best performance and G the worst); greenhouse gas emissions; recommendations for energy improvements; the date and signature of the certified diagnostician who carried out the DPE. Among other things, the DPE helps reduce energy costs and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. It is valid for 10 years.
It should be noted that the DPE has been reformed in 2021 in France to reinforce its reliability and accuracy, notably by introducing a new calculation method based on the actual consumption of the dwelling. See our article on the new DPE for more information.

From now on, the DPE will be as compulsory on every property advertisement as the rent or the surface area of the property.

2. LEAD EXPOSURE RISK REPORT (CREP)

The Lead-Safe Certificate (CREP in French) is a mandatory diagnostic in France for homes built before January 1949. It is therefore frequently required for rental properties in Paris. Its purpose is to detect the presence of lead in the apartment, particularly in coatings and paints, and to assess the potential risks of lead exposure for tenants.
If the CREP reveals the presence of lead above the regulatory threshold (1 mg/cm²), recommendations are provided to limit the risks, such as asbestos removal or containment work, to ensure the safety of occupants, especially children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead. The CREP report is valid for 6 years.

3. RISK AND POLLUTION ASSESSMENT (ERP)

The Risk and Pollution Statement (ERP in French) is another compulsory diagnostic aimed at preventing the natural (earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, forest fires...), technological (industrial installations, nuclear sites, hazardous materials depots...) and environmental (chemical substances, pollutants, former industrial activities...) risks to which the property is exposed. The ERP also specifies whether the property is located in an identified risk zone, and provides information on existing prevention and protection measures. It is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It is very easy to complete, and can be done free of charge online.

4. ASBESTOS INSPECTION

The asbestos inspection (diagnostic amiante in French) identifies materials likely to contain asbestos (roofs, facades, false ceilings, flooring, ducts, insulation, etc.).
Because asbestos is a substance harmful to health, the asbestos inspection recommends measures to be taken, ranging from simple surveillance to the need for asbestos removal work to be carried out by qualified professionals.
As with CREP, the asbestos inspection is mandatory for the sale or rental of property built before July 1, 1997 in France. The asbestos inspection is valid for 3 years.

5. STATE OF THE INTERNAL ELECTRICITY INSTALLATION

The aim of the electrical installation diagnostic (diagnostic électrique in French) is to assess the general condition and safety of the home's electrical installation.
The person in charge of the diagnostic inspects equipment, conductors, sockets, electrical panels, etc., and indicates any faults or malfunctions that could present a risk (electrocution, fire, short-circuit...), as well as recommendations in line with current standards.
This compulsory diagnostic applies in particular to electrical installations over 15 years old, and must be less than 6 years old. In other words, it does not apply to all new homes built within the last 14 years.

6. STATE OF INTERNAL GAS INSTALLATION

The purpose of a gas diagnostic (diagnostic du gaz in French) is to assess the safety of your home's gas installation.
The certified professional inspects the entire gas installation, including equipment, piping, heating appliances, flues, etc., and indicates any risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion or gas leakage. The diagnostic also specifies any work or repairs required to comply with current standards.
As with electricity, the gas diagnostic is mandatory for gas installations over 15 years old, and must be less than 6 years old.

Good to know: it's important to note that the electrical and gas diagnostics relate specifically to the private part of the dwelling, and do not cover the common parts of a block of flats.

7. THE SURFACE DIAGNOSTIC (BOUTIN LAW)

The purpose of the habitable surface diagnostic (surface habitation in French) is to determine the exact habitable surface area of the dwelling.
Habitable surface area diagnostics are based on the provisions of the Loi Boutin, which sets out the criteria for calculating habitable surface area. The calculation takes into account the main rooms (living room, bedrooms...) and excludes non-habitable areas (cellar, garage, balcony, terrace...). The diagnostic is valid for an unlimited period, but must be renewed in the event of any significant work likely to distort the calculation of the living area.
The actual surface area is also used to estimate the rent, and is indicated in the rental contract. Don't hesitate to consult our Paris rent estimation tool!

Good to know: it's important to note that legislation and diagnostic requirements may vary from country to country. The information provided here is based on French regulations, so please refer to the legislation in force in your country to collect precise information on the subject. Finally, failure to comply with these diagnostics may result in financial penalties and legal disputes.

In conclusion, although diagnostics represent an additional cost in terms of time and money, they are essential to guarantee the safety and regulatory compliance of the property, while promoting a transparent exchange and reducing risks for all parties involved. As a landlord, make sure your DDT is up to date when you sign your lease. Book-A-Flat is also committed to helping you build up your DDT file with our trusted partner BC2E, to guarantee you a safe and worry-free rental!

Article published on 09/06/2023, written by Alexandre Couronne