The Mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) for Renting Furnished Properties

The Energy Performance Certificate (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique or DPE) is mandatory for renting out furnished accommodation in France, subject to certain regulatory exceptions. It assesses a property's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and assigns an energy rating from A to G. The DPE rating must appear in rental advertisements, and the certificate must be provided to tenants. Issued by a certified energy assessor, a DPE is valid for 10 years if completed on or after July 1, 2021. Certificates issued before this date are no longer valid in 2026. Landlords are encouraged to update their energy assessment to anticipate energy renovation work, maintain their property's rental eligibility and minimize vacancy periods. In mainland France, properties rated G have been subject to rental restrictions since January 1, 2025, while properties rated F will be affected from 2028 and those rated E from 2034. Rent increases for properties rated F or G are also restricted. Following the 2024 reform for small properties and the reduction of the electricity primary energy conversion factor from 2.3 to 1.9 in 2026, another reform will take effect on January 1, 2027, lowering the factor to 1.7. This change could improve the energy rating of certain electrically heated properties. Lodgis supports landlords throughout the process and, subject to the terms of its offer, may reimburse the cost of the DPE when the property is rented out again.

Why should you update your DPE now?

Whether your property is currently rented out or vacant, now is the ideal time to update your DPE and send us your latest certificate. This will allow you to:

• Find out your energy rating and receive recommendations on any improvements your property may require (obtaining a new certificate will not automatically result in a revision of your current rent).
• Anticipate and plan any necessary renovation work before the next tenancy, helping you optimize your budget and schedule.
• Rent out your property with confidence, maximize occupancy rates and avoid rental vacancy periods.
• Benefit from DPE reimbursement with Lodgis, subject to the terms and conditions of the offer.

Is your property smaller than 40 m²? A reform of the DPE came into effect on July 1, 2024, adjusting energy performance thresholds for properties measuring less than 40 m². As a result, some of these properties may benefit from an improved energy rating.

To learn more, read our article about the DPE reform for small properties and the steps landlords should take.

What is a DPE?

The DPE, or Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (Energy Performance Certificate), is a document used to estimate a property's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

It is mandatory when renting out most residential properties in France, subject to certain regulatory exceptions, particularly for some buildings intended to be occupied for less than four months per year.

(French Construction and Housing Code: Articles L126-31 to L126-35)

Would you like to find out how energy-efficient your property is? Estimate your DPE rating for free using our online tool. The Lodgis DPE simulator helps you assess your property's energy classification based on the parameters supported by the tool.

What are the legal requirements for a DPE?

The DPE energy rating must appear in rental advertisements, indicating the property's energy performance on the official A-to-G energy efficiency scale.

If a property subject to DPE requirements does not have a valid certificate, its rental advertisement cannot be published in compliance with the applicable regulations.

The DPE must also be provided to the tenant as part of the technical diagnostic file (dossier de diagnostic technique) attached to the rental agreement.

How long is a DPE valid?

A DPE is valid for 10 years if the assessment was carried out on or after July 1, 2021.

However, because the content and calculation method of the DPE were revised on July 1, 2021, special provisions shortened the validity of certificates issued before that date:

• DPE certificates issued between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, remained valid until December 31, 2022.
• DPE certificates issued between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, remained valid until December 31, 2024.

Therefore, in 2026, DPE certificates issued before July 1, 2021, are no longer valid. Landlords concerned must obtain a new certificate to rent out their property.

(Decree of October 8, 2021, amending the DPE calculation methodology and certification requirements)

How can you obtain a DPE?

The assessment must be carried out according to a specific methodology by a certified professional energy assessor.

(Decree of March 31, 2021, relating to the methods, procedures and software used to establish DPE certificates)

The cost of obtaining a DPE varies depending on the size and characteristics of the property and the professional selected. It generally ranges from €100 to €300.

What are the penalties for failing to provide a DPE?

Landlords who fail to comply with their obligation to provide a DPE may face legal action from their tenants and may be ordered to pay damages and compensation if the legal conditions for liability are met.

Penalties may also apply when DPE regulations are not respected, particularly if the assessment is carried out by a professional who does not hold the required certification.

What restrictions apply to properties rated F or G?

Since August 2022, measures aimed at reducing the number of energy-inefficient properties have been strengthened. Rent increases and additional rent supplements are prohibited for properties rated F or G, under the conditions established by French regulations.

Since January 1, 2023, properties consuming more than 450 kWh of final energy per m² per year have been subject to rental restrictions under the minimum energy efficiency requirements applicable in mainland France.

These regulations have been progressively strengthened:

• Since January 1, 2025: properties rated G have been subject to rental restrictions under the minimum energy performance requirements for residential accommodation.
• From January 1, 2028: these restrictions will also apply to properties rated F.
• From January 1, 2034: properties rated E will also be affected.

Owners of energy-inefficient properties are therefore encouraged to anticipate any necessary improvements to enhance their property's energy performance and continue renting it out with peace of mind.

Update: A new DPE reform in 2027

Through an order dated August 19, 2026, the French Government officially confirmed a further revision of the electricity primary energy conversion factor, which will decrease from 1.9 to 1.7 on January 1, 2027.

Although this change may seem purely technical, it will have practical consequences for many property owners, particularly those whose homes are heated using electricity.

Indeed, this reform could allow certain properties to improve their energy performance rating without necessarily requiring additional renovation work.

To understand how this change could affect your property, read our dedicated guide to the new DPE regulations for 2027.