Mandatory Property Diagnostics: Everything You Need to Know to Rent or Sell

When selling or renting, property surveys (“diagnostics immobiliers”) are an essential step for every owner. These mandatory property diagnostics provide information on the condition of a home, its energy performance, the presence of hazardous materials such as lead or asbestos, and also assess the risks related to the dwelling. Regulated by law, they must meet strict criteria for validity, duration, and technical content. Having them carried out by a certified professional ensures the reliability of the documents provided and secures the transaction, whether it involves a detached house, a condominium apartment, or any other type of building.

Why are property diagnostics essential?

The French Construction and Housing Code requires specific surveys to be carried out before any real estate transaction. Each document aims to:

• Inform the buyer or tenant about the technical condition of the property.
• Prevent risks to health (lead, asbestos, termites) or safety (gas, electricity).
• Improve energy performance through the DPE and encourage insulation or more efficient installations.

These documents, grouped together in the Technical Diagnostics File (DDT), are mandatory for both sales and rentals.

List of mandatory property diagnostics

Depending on the construction date, the type of building or house, and the nature of the transaction (sale or rental), the owner must provide certain real estate documents:

1. Energy Performance Certificate (DPE)

• Assesses the property’s energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Mandatory for all sales and rentals.
• Validity: 10 years unless works are carried out that change the energy installation.

2. Lead Exposure Risk Report (CREP)

• Mandatory for all properties built before 1949.
• Checks for the presence or absence of lead.
• Validity is unlimited if no lead is found, 6 years if lead is present.

3. Asbestos Survey

• Checks for asbestos in construction materials.
• Mandatory for buildings with a building permit issued before July 1997.
• Validity is unlimited if no asbestos is found, otherwise re-check every 3 years.

4. Termite Report

• Checks for possible termite presence in a property or building.
• Mandatory in risk zones defined by prefectural decree.
• Validity: 6 months.

5. Gas Inspection

• Assesses the condition and safety of the internal gas installation.
• Mandatory for any installation over 15 years old.
• Validity: 3 years for sales, 6 years for rentals.

6. Electricity Inspection

• Checks the safety of the electrical installation.
• Mandatory if the installation is over 15 years old.
• Validity: 3 years for sales, 6 years for rentals.

7. Risks and Pollution Report (ERP)

• Mandatory for both sales and rentals, valid for 6 months.
• Details natural, technological, or soil pollution risks.
• Must be updated for each transaction.

8. Non-Collective Sanitation Report

• Mandatory for houses not connected to the mains sewer.
• Validity: 3 years.
• Checks technical compliance and condition of the installation.

9. Carrez and Boutin Surface Measurement

• Measures the private surface area for condominiums (Carrez) or rentals (Boutin).
• Validity is unlimited unless works are carried out that alter the surface area.

Validity and duration of property diagnostics

Each property diagnostic has a specific validity period. A DPE, for example, is valid for 10 years, while a termite report is only valid for 6 months. To avoid unnecessary duplication, the owner should check dates and keep their documents safe. The surveyor’s certification is also mandatory.

Summary table of mandatory property diagnostics

For Sales

For Rentals

Practical tips for property owners

• Plan your property diagnostics ahead of putting the property up for sale or rent.
• Group inspections together to save on costs.
• Keep all documents to avoid unnecessary repetition.
• Check validity before each transaction.
• Choose a certified surveyor to ensure legal compliance.

In summary

Mandatory property diagnostics are more than just a formality: they ensure transparency, protect the buyer or tenant, and secure the transaction. Whether it’s a condominium apartment, a detached house, or a building, every owner must comply with the law and provide a complete, up-to-date file. Knowing the property’s condition, diagnosing risks, and tracking document validity is essential to selling or renting with peace of mind.

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