Unfurnished or furnished letting as a main residence
The tenancy agreement must state the habitable floor area. It is calculated differently from total floor area.
Floor area required in the tenancy agreement
Measure the right floor area for your tenancy agreement
Give the tenant the actual habitable floor area using the calculation required for the tenancy agreement.
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- When it applies
- Main residence
- Minimum height
- 1.80 m and above
- Deadline
- If the property changes
WHEN A DPE IS REQUIRED
What applies to your property
Works since the previous measurement
A new layout or moved partitions can change the area you need to declare.
CHECK THE EXEMPTIONS
What the calculation excludes
- Ancillary and non-habitable areas
- Cellars, basements, garages, terraces, balconies, conservatories and unconverted lofts do not count towards the habitable floor area.
- Walls and low ceilings
- Deduct walls, partitions, stairways, service ducts and door and window reveals. Areas with a head height under 1.80 m do not count.
KEEP YOUR REPORT HANDY
Can you still use your report?
No fixed expiry date. Measure again if the layout or floor area changes.
Balconies, terraces, garages and cellars do not form part of the habitable floor area.
How to prepare for your visit
Gather before the visit
- Floor plan and previous measurements.
- Access to every room and areas beneath sloping ceilings.
- Details of works and extensions.
During the visit
We measure the rooms and deduct walls, partitions, stairways and other excluded areas. Areas with a head height under 1.80 m are left out.
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.
Keep the calculation breakdown
A total on its own is harder to check. Keep the room-by-room measurements and deductions with the property documents.
The legal framework,
explained.
Official sourcesLégifrance · French public services
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
French Construction and Housing Code · Article R.156-1Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youDefines habitable floor area, including deductions and exclusions.
LEGISLATION · LÉGIFRANCE
Act of 6 July 1989 · Article 3Read the official guidance (opens in a new tab)
What this means for youRequires the tenancy agreement to state the habitable floor area.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
FAQ
What you may want to know before the appointment
Does a conservatory count as habitable floor area?
No. The statutory definition excludes it, even if another type of area calculation includes it.
Do I need a fresh measurement for each tenant?
Only if the calculation is no longer accurate or the property has changed. Check the document before reusing the total.
Should the terrace be included in the advertised area?
Show the terrace and the habitable floor area separately. Check which area should appear in the tenancy agreement.
Should I mention a converted loft?
Yes. Tell us about the conversion and make the loft accessible. Its presence alone does not establish which area can be counted.
Is the Carrez certificate enough for a letting?
Not necessarily. Different areas can qualify, so use the correct calculation for the tenancy agreement.
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