If you're selling
The CREP applies to homes built before 1 January 1949. A positive report must be less than one year old.
Home built before 1949
Lead in paint and coatings
Identify lead in surface coatings and deterioration that could expose occupants, especially children.
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- Construction date
- Before 1949
- Sale · positive CREP
- Under 1 year
- Letting · positive CREP
- Under 6 years
WHEN A DPE IS REQUIRED
What applies to your property
If you're letting
The same construction cut-off applies. If lead reaches the statutory threshold, the report must be less than six years old.
CHECK THE EXEMPTIONS
When a fresh CREP is not required
- Built from 1949 onwards
- The age-based CREP requirement for sales or lettings does not apply. This does not establish that the site is free of lead for building works.
- Lead below the statutory threshold
- A CREP that records this result does not expire. Keep the full report.
KEEP YOUR REPORT HANDY
Can you still use your report?
If lead reaches the statutory threshold: one year for sales and six years for lettings. Below the threshold, the report does not expire.
The assessment covers surface coatings. Testing for lead in the water supply is a separate service.
How to prepare for your visit
Gather before the visit
- Construction date and any earlier CREP.
- Access to rooms, doors, shutters and windows.
- Details of completed works and replaced coatings.
During the visit
We test accessible coatings and look for deterioration. Please make rooms, doors and windows accessible.
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.
Leave painted surfaces undisturbed before the visit
Keep the coatings in place. Sanding may create hazardous dust and does not help the assessment.
The legal framework,
explained.
Official sourcesLégifrance · French public services
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
Order of 19 August 2011 · CREPRead the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youDefines how lead is detected, the units assessed and the categories of deterioration.
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
French Construction and Housing Code · Article D.271-5Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youSets the validity period for positive reports provided at sale, among other rules.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
FAQ
What you may want to know before the appointment
Does the CREP test tap water?
No. It covers surface coatings. Lead testing in water is a separate process.
Is this report enough before building works?
Not necessarily. The site risk assessment needs to cover the materials the work will actually disturb.
Should I scrape off paint before you arrive?
No. Leave coatings in place and point out damaged areas. Do not sand or strip any coating you suspect may contain lead.
Is an earlier assessment useful?
Yes. Send the full report with its date and findings. Whether you can reuse it depends on the result and your plans. See Report validity for details.
What needs to be accessible?
Clear access to doors, windows, walls and other elements to be examined. Leave coatings intact and tell us about rooms we will not be able to visit.
Can I repaint instead of getting the assessment?
No. Fresh paint can cover an older coating that contains lead.
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