Water leak at my French second home

There is a law limiting large bills due to leaks and it applies whether or not the property was occupied at the time of the leak – and so it covers second homes.

As soon as a water supplier notices a sudden, unexpected increase in the volume of water used by a household, it must inform the owner.

The likely cause would be a leaking pipe at the property.

If the householder carries out the necessary repairs within a month, they will not have to pay the full invoice for water lost.

Liability is limited to a maximum of twice the average consumption for the property over the period.

The householder must submit, by registered letter, a certificate from a plumber indicating that the leak has been located and repaired within a month. You can find a template letter at tinyurl.com/yypo4gte.

If no leak is discovered, you should ask, also within one month of notification, for the firm to check the meter (compteur).

If a problem is found, you will not pay the additional part of the bill, otherwise it is payable, plus a charge for the checks.

Partly due to this, consumer associations often advise against taking out an assurance fuite d’eau – water leak insurance – which is offered as an option in many home insurance contracts.

It partly pays for the extra water bill, plus having a plumber to do the repairs.

It is not obligatory and not having it can save around €70/year.

Consumer associations claim it is unlikely to be good value for money.

More Q&A in our Second home in France guide – for more information and to place an order, please see here