Tenants in France: DPE, energy leaks and duties

As a tenant in France, understanding DPE labels and the landlord's obligations is essential to protect your comfort, finances and rights. The energy performance diagnosis (DPE) rates the property's energy use and climate impact and can affect heating quality, insulation and service charges. This guide plainly explains what the DPE means, how to recognise an "energy leak" (passoire énergétique), which repairs or upgrades the landlord must carry out, and what steps to take if your rights are not respected. You will find practical steps to contact your landlord, request departmental conciliation or approach the court, along with official links to complete procedures safely.

What does the law say for tenants?

The law of 6 July 1989 governs residential leases and requires landlords to ensure the property is fit for habitation and maintained^[1]. In practice, this means the property must have heating, basic safety and no evident health hazards. The DPE is not just informational: it helps set priorities for works and flags insufficient performance.

General obligations of the landlord

• Keep the dwelling in proper repair and condition (repair).
• Maintain heating and water installations in good working order (heating).
• Provide mandatory diagnostics and documents at the start of the tenancy (form).
• Not shift to the tenant the costs of works that are the landlord's responsibility (rent).

DPE and energy-inefficient homes

The DPE rates housing from A to G; homes rated F and G are often called "energy leaks" and can have poor insulation and heating. As a tenant you may request information, report maintenance failures and, depending on the case, ask for repairs or a reduction in charges^[2].

• Request the landlord's diagnostics and DPE proof (form).
• Contact the landlord in writing to request insulation or heating works (call).
• Keep photos, emails and receipts to prove deficiencies (document).

What to do if the landlord refuses?

If the landlord refuses to carry out necessary works to make the property habitable, you can seek conciliation via the departmental commission or apply to the judicial court to obtain works or compensation. Before applying, gather all written and photographic evidence of defects and your unanswered requests^[3].

• Gather evidence and written exchanges (document).
• Send a formal notice by registered letter to the landlord (form).
• If needed, bring the case before the judicial court after conciliation attempts (eviction).

FAQ

What is the DPE for a tenant?

The DPE provides information on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the dwelling and helps identify needed improvement works.^[2]

Can the landlord raise rent after an unfavourable DPE?

A DPE alone does not justify a rent increase unless a contractual clause or legal indexation applies; rent revision rules are governed by law and the lease.^[1]

What to do if the dwelling is an energy leak?

Report the issue to the landlord, propose conciliation, and if necessary take the case to court or apply for public aid for works.^[3]

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, emails, copies of the lease and the DPE (document).
2. Formally request works from the landlord, preferably by registered letter (form).
3. Contact the departmental conciliation commission if dialogue fails (call).
4. Take the matter to the judicial court to enforce obligations if necessary (eviction).

Key takeaways

• The landlord must keep the dwelling habitable and carry out necessary repairs.
• Keep all written proof and diagnostics provided at the start of the tenancy.
• Conciliation is recommended before judicial action.

Help and resources

• [2] Official DPE information - Service-public.fr
• [1] Legifrance - official texts and the 1989 law
• [3] Departmental conciliation commission - Service-public.fr

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Energy performance diagnosis (DPE)
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental conciliation commission