Apartment Hunting in FranceNew Regulations for Apartment Rentals

Courtesy of KHS

Starting in 2006 and continuing through 2008 a number of new regulations affecting apartment rentals in France come into place. When signing a lease, apartment owners have to present the following documents:

Starting on 1st June 2006 “Etat des risques naturels et technologiques”, “Certificate about the status of natural and technologic risks”.

Starting on 1st July 2007 “Diagnostic de performance énergétique”, Certificate of the energetic performance of the property. This regulation is also for property to be sold.

Starting on 12th August 2008 “Constat de risque d’exposition au plomb” Certificate about lead (e.g. in the wall paint, water pipes etc).

These certificates are to be issued by agents or companies licensed by “Cofrac” - “Comité français d’accréditation”.

Please note that the above information does not replace professional advice. If you are going to rent an apartment in France you need to know your rights and responsibilities. Not knowing French law does not excuse you from your legal duties.