Tenants in France: unsanitary risks from DPE
Tenants in France may face unsanitary risks when a dwelling's energy performance is very poor (energy sieves) and defects promote mold, damp or lack of heating. Knowing your rights and the landlord's obligations allows you to act: gather evidence (photos, letters), request repairs, contact the departmental conciliation commission or bring the case before the judicial court[1] if necessary. Keep all documents, send requests by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt, note dates and ask for an expert opinion if needed. Local assistance may exist depending on your municipality; check with the town hall or on Service-public[2].
What to do in practice
Act in clear steps: inform the landlord, document the problems, request repairs and, if needed, initiate an amicable or judicial procedure.
Gather evidence
- Photos and videos of affected areas (photo)
- Medical reports or attestations if health is affected
- Copies of the energy performance diagnosis (DPE)
- Heating bills and consumption records
Request repairs from the landlord
- Send a written request by registered mail with AR (file)
- Set a reasonable deadline for repairs (days)
- Request a joint visit or an independent expert assessment if disputed (repair)
Possible remedies
- Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission to seek an amicable solution
- Bring the matter before the judicial court if conciliation fails or in urgent cases
- Request protective measures if there is a health danger
FAQ
- How can I prove that unsanitary conditions are linked to a poor DPE?
- Gather the DPE, photos, bills, attestations and, if possible, a health assessment to establish the connection between energy performance and issues like damp or heating failures.
- Can the landlord be forced to carry out repairs?
- Yes, the landlord must ensure the dwelling meets habitability and safety standards and can be ordered by conciliation or court decision to perform necessary repairs.
- What deadlines apply?
- Act as soon as the problem appears: send a formal notice by registered mail and follow the deadlines set by authorities or the court for each step.
How-To
- Record facts and dates precisely and gather evidence (photos, videos, bills, DPE).
- Send a formal notice to the landlord by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
- Request an independent expert assessment if the landlord disputes the condition.
- Refer to the departmental conciliation commission and, if necessary, bring the case before the judicial court.
Help and Support
- Service-public.fr — Practical housing information
- Legifrance — Official texts and codes
- Service-public.fr — Tenants' rights
