Renting out a second home in France: what checks are needed?

Reader question: We plan to let out our second home for a long-term rental, what certificates and checks are needed?

Owners in France who plan to rent out their second home on a long-term basis must provide several property checks and make sure the accommodation meets France’s minimum standards. 

For a property being rented as the tenant’s main home, a dossier de diagnostic technique (DDT) must be attached to the rental contract.

This includes a valid energy performance certificate (DPE), which gives the property an energy rating from A to G.

Properties rated G can no longer be rented out under new or renewed leases. The file must also include reports on the electricity and gas installations if they are more than 15 years old.

A lead exposure report (CREP) is required for properties where the building permit was issued before January 1, 1949.

An état des risques must also be provided if the home is located in an area affected by flooding, earthquakes, radon, industrial hazards, soil pollution or coastal erosion and must be less than six months old when the lease is signed.

A noise assessment may also be necessary if the home is close to an airport.

An asbestos report does not normally have to be attached to the lease. However, for apartments in blocks built under planning permission issued before July 1, 1997, owners must have an asbestos file known as a DAPP (dossier amiante parties privatives) available for tenants to consult. 

Meanwhile, the property must also meet France’s wider décence requirements (ie. it should be considered fit to live in).

These include adequate ventilation, heating, water and sanitation, safe electrical and gas systems, protection against damp and sufficient natural light. 

Additionally, the property must have at least one main room measuring 9m² or more, with a ceiling height of at least 2.20m. 

While there are obligations that come with renting out a second home though, there are also advantages.

For example, if an unfurnished property is rented out as the tenant’s main residence, no taxe d’habitation is payable.

However, the owner must still pay taxe foncière and must declare the change of occupancy through the Gérer mes biens immobiliers service on the impots.gouv.fr website.