What are the rules on installing air-conditioning in your French home?

Reader Question: The recent heatwave has left us considering if we should install air-conditioning in time for next year. Are there any rules we should be aware of?

Many property owners in France may now be considering installing air-conditioning at their homes, following major heatwaves this summer.

However, aside from the cost of a unit – sometimes reaching several thousand euros – there are installation rules you need to consider before purchasing a unit. 

Must declare work to mairie 

The first thing to note is that you are likely to have make a declaration of the intended works (déclaration préalable) to your mairie. 

This applies where there will be an external unit attached to your wall or located on your balcony, but it does not apply eg. if the unit will be on the ground or if there are no external parts. 

A declaration is usually considered as having been accepted tacitly after one month with no opposition. 

However, if you live in a protected area (due to historical interest etc), you should obtain confirmation of acceptance.

Note that if your installation requires the construction of a base platform to stand it on then this requires approval if you are in a protected area, whatever its size and irrespective of whether it is on the wall or balcony.

Seek approval from co-owners

If your property is part of a shared building (such as a block of flats), you must obtain the approval of other residents and co-owners, usually through a vote at a general meeting of owners (assemblée générale). 

This is required if the installation will see the addition of external elements that change the appearance of the building. 

You must ask the residents to authorise the changes at the next general meeting, and the first step is to speak to your building’s syndic (management body). A plan of the works, showing how it will not cause disturbance to other owners, will help to make your case.

Officially, you must receive an absolute majority of votes from all the residents in your favour to install a unit, but if you receive at least one-third of expressed votes but do not reach the threshold you can ask for another vote, which can be passed by a majority of votes expressed (including postal and proxy votes).

If co-owners vote against you but others have or have had similar requests approved, you can query this as you may be able to claim the rejection against you was a case of discrimination.

If your system will not alter the appearance of the building, you do not need to formally ask for authorisation, but should still be mindful you do not disturb neighbours. 

This can include through undue noise of the unit, or elements such as a pipe blowing hot air onto their balcony. Finally, ensure any water damage from dripping units will not impact the building and neighbours.

Detached homes not exempt from rules

If your property is detached and owned outright you have more freedom than copropriété owners, but the prior declaration requirements still apply. 

Furthermore, properties found inside certain protected cultural or architectural zones may be prohibited from having air-conditioning installed, for reasons such as keeping certain natural appearances for homes or avoiding damage to the view of a historic monument. 

It is also important to ensure your unit will not cause any disturbances to your neighbours, such as by producing loud noises overnight. 

This could lead your neighbour to file a neighbourhood disturbance complaint against you which can result in a fine or even being taken to court.