The property is in a designated area
A prefectural order sets out areas that are infested or at risk. The termite report must accompany the sale if your property is within one.
Sale in a designated area
Termites: check whether your address is covered
Tell buyers about signs of infestation found in accessible parts of the building.
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- What triggers it?
- Prefectural order
- When it applies
- Sale
- Validity
- Under 6 months
WHEN A DPE IS REQUIRED
What applies to your property
Signing is approaching
Check the report date before the deed is signed. It is valid for a short period, even if no termites were found.
CHECK THE EXEMPTIONS
Understanding the designated area and your findings
- Outside the designated area
- The area-based requirement for a sale report does not apply. Take any signs of infestation seriously regardless.
- No signs found
- The report still has an expiry date. It records what was observed at the time of the visit.
KEEP YOUR REPORT HANDY
Can you still use your report?
Less than six months old when the deed of sale is signed.
The inspection does not treat termites or guarantee against a later infestation.
How to prepare for your visit
Gather before the visit
- Full address and any available cadastral references.
- Access to cellars, lofts, outbuildings and visible timber.
- Reports and information on previous treatments.
During the visit
We inspect accessible areas, timbers and surrounding areas covered by the scope. Inaccessible areas are noted in the report.
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.
Time the visit to fit your sale
Let the assessor know if signing is postponed. The report does not extend automatically once it expires.
The legal framework,
explained.
Official sourcesLégifrance · French public services
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
French Construction and Housing Code · Article R.126-42Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youSets out the termite report requirements and who is qualified to prepare it.
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
French Construction and Housing Code · Article D.271-5Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youRequires the sale report to be less than six months old.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
FAQ
What you may want to know before the appointment
Is a stone house covered?
It may contain timber floors, roof structures or joinery. The requirement depends on the area designated by the order, regardless of the wall material.
Does the requirement automatically cover all of Aude?
Check the current order for the exact address. The department name alone does not establish whether the property is in a designated area.
Should I move the furniture?
Make the areas to be inspected accessible and leave the building fabric intact. Tell us before the visit about lofts, outbuildings and cluttered areas.
Can a treatment invoice replace the inspection report?
It provides useful information about the property's history. Send it along, but the invoice and the report required for your transaction serve different purposes.
What should I tell the assessor?
Tell us about any traces you found, past treatments and inaccessible areas. Dated photos can help us prepare, but a site visit is still needed.
Is the whole of Occitanie covered?
Check which orders apply to the property's address. The region name alone is not enough.
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