Tenant remedies in France for a faulty DPE

If you are a tenant in France and the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) for your home appears faulty, you can take action. An inaccurate DPE can affect charge amounts, expected repairs or rental value; it is therefore important to know your rights and the steps to contest the diagnosis. This guide explains, in clear and accessible language, what evidence to collect, how to contact the diagnostician and the landlord, when to refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, and when to bring the case before the judicial court. You will also find sample procedures and official links to help you at each step in France.

What can a tenant correct?

An incorrect DPE can lead to concrete consequences for the tenant. Depending on the situation, you can seek correction, repair, or compensation.

• Challenge an increase in charges or extra costs linked to an incorrect energy rating.
• Request repairs or maintenance when there is an impact on habitability (heating, insulation, humidity).
• Obtain correction of the DPE from the diagnostician and the owner by submitting a formal complaint or form.
• Request an adversarial expert assessment if you have evidence (photos, invoices, energy readings).

Practical actions and deadlines

Start by collecting elements proving the error (copies of the DPE, photos, invoices, correspondence). Then contact the diagnostician to request verification and inform the landlord in writing. If no satisfactory response is obtained, the departmental conciliation commission can be seized before starting judicial proceedings. In some cases, the judicial court is competent to decide disputes related to housing and lease. The 1989 Law frames tenant and landlord rights and obligations and can be invoked in your procedures.^[3]

FAQ

Can a tenant force a new DPE expert assessment?

Yes, the tenant may request an adversarial expert assessment or seize the CDC if the diagnostician refuses to review the report; you must gather evidence and formalize the request in writing.

Must I pay expert fees if the DPE was incorrect?

Cost allocation depends on the result and agreements; if the error is acknowledged, the owner or diagnostician may be required to reimburse.

Where to find sample letters and the inventory of fixtures?

Model lease agreements, inventories and official letters are available on administrative websites; use them to formalize your requests.^[1][2]

How to

1. Gather evidence: received DPE, photos, energy bills and readings.
2. Contact the diagnostician then inform the landlord by registered letter or traceable email.
3. File a formal complaint and, if necessary, seize the departmental conciliation commission.
4. Go to the judicial court if conciliation fails and your rights remain affected.

Help and resources

• Consult templates and forms on Service-public
• Consult official texts on Legifrance
• Contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission

1. [1] Service-public.fr — Templates and forms
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Inventory of fixtures and check-in/check-out
3. [3] Legifrance.gouv.fr — Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989