If you're selling
Get your DPE before listing and include it in the sale documentation. An E-, F- or G-rated house or building under single ownership also requires an energy audit.
Required unless an exemption applies
Your French energy performance certificate: what to know before selling or letting
The French Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) gives buyers and tenants a consistent way to compare a home's energy performance. The calculation assumes standard use, so it won't predict your exact bills.
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- When?
- Before advertising
- Validity
- 10 years*
- Result
- A rating from A to G
WHEN A DPE IS REQUIRED
What applies to your property
If you're letting
Include the DPE in the listing and the tenancy documentation. For a main residence in mainland France, the rating also determines whether the property meets the minimum energy standard for rented homes.
CHECK THE EXEMPTIONS
When a DPE is genuinely not required
- Detached building under 50 m²
- The threshold refers to the floor area of a standalone building. A 25 m² studio flat in a larger building does not qualify.
- Unheated building with no air conditioning
- This also covers buildings whose only fixed heating is an open fireplace and which have no cooling. Simply switching off a boiler does not qualify.
- Residential use for fewer than four months a year
- Article R.126-15 covers this exemption. Calling a property a second home does not by itself qualify: the intended use must meet the legal criteria.
- Other exemptions in the French construction code
- Temporary structures in use for no more than two years, places of worship, protected historic monuments, and some agricultural, craft or industrial premises that use little energy for human occupancy.
An older building, a vacant home or a property in a conservation area does not automatically qualify.
Read the relevant legislation
WHAT YOUR ENERGY RATING MEANS
Different rules for sales and lettings
When selling
A low rating does not prevent a sale. An E-, F- or G-rated house or building under single ownership needs an energy audit in addition to a DPE.
Check when an energy audit is requiredLetting in mainland France
The minimum energy standards for main residences apply to new tenancies, renewals and automatic extensions.
- Since 2025Gno longer meets the standard
- From 2028Fwill also fall below the standard
- From 2034Ewill also fall below the standard
KEEP YOUR REPORT HANDY
Can you still use your report?
* DPEs issued from 1 July 2021 are valid for 10 years. Earlier reports are no longer valid. After major works, check whether the report still accurately describes the property.
Keep the full report, its ADEME reference number and any update certificates. An update certificate does not extend the original expiry date.
How to prepare for your visit
Gather before the visit
- Invoices for insulation, windows and other works, and any plans you have.
- Details of the heating, hot water and ventilation systems.
- An earlier DPE if available, plus access to rooms, lofts and equipment.
During the visit
We inspect the property and record the building fabric, insulation, windows, heating and ventilation. Have invoices for completed works and any supporting documents ready.
When you receive the report
Check the conclusions, the scope and limitations of the assessment, and any next steps. Keep the whole report, including its appendices.
Supporting documents can make a difference
An invoice showing the material and thickness can help identify concealed insulation. Gather the records you already have and leave any unknown details for the assessor to check.
The legal framework,
explained.
Official sourcesLégifrance · French public services
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
French Construction and Housing Code · Articles L.126-26 to L.126-33Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youThese articles define the DPE and its role in sales, lettings and multi-unit buildings.
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
French Construction and Housing Code · Articles R.126-15 and R.126-19Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youThese articles set out the exemptions and validity rules. Your property must fall within a specific category to qualify for an exemption.
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
Order of 31 March 2021 · residential DPERead the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youThis order sets out what the DPE includes and how it is calculated. The report's recommendations are not a quote for carrying out works.
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
Act of 6 July 1989 · Article 6Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youThis article makes letting a main residence subject to minimum housing standards, including energy performance.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
FAQ
What you may want to know before the appointment
Is my studio under 30 m² exempt?
No. A flat does not qualify simply because it is small. The exemption for buildings under 50 m² applies to standalone buildings, not an individual unit within a building.
Do I need a new DPE after the 2026 changes?
Not automatically. The electricity conversion factor changed from 2.3 to 1.9 on 1 January 2026. If your current DPE is still valid and its rating improves, ADEME can issue an update certificate without a new visit. The original expiry date still applies.
Why does the DPE differ from my bills?
The calculation uses the property's features and standard assumptions about use. Your actual consumption depends on factors such as the temperature you set, how often you're home and the weather.
How can I check a report?
Look up the ADEME reference on the DPE and audit register, and verify the assessor's certification in the official directory.
Should I look for insulation invoices?
Gather any invoices, specifications and plans you already have. A verbal description cannot replace supporting evidence. The assessor can tell you which records are useful for your property.
Should I do any work before the appointment?
The DPE describes the property as it stands on the day of the visit. Tell us which works are complete and which are planned. If you're about to renovate, mention it before booking the visit.
What should I do to provide access?
Arrange access to the rooms, heating equipment, water heater and any accessible service areas. If you can, send earlier reports and property documents before the visit.
Is an older DPE still valid?
DPEs issued before July 2021 are no longer valid. Check your report's date and ADEME reference.
Unsure about
your property?
If a report is difficult to follow, give us a call and we'll talk it through.
06 80 35 31 84