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In brief
Section actions
Duration: Signature verification — 10 min; validity of DPE — 10 years
Cost: The DPE is paid by the owner (~100–250 €); free for the tenant
On-site only

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • Renters looking for accommodation wishing to estimate their future heating bills
  • Renters of dwellings classified as F/G, subject to the prohibition of rent increase
  • Owners considering renting or selling their property

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • The lease, which must mention the DPE class of the dwelling
  • The DPE itself, provided as an annex to the lease
  • The previous year's heating/electricity bills, if the lessor agrees to share them

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1Before signing, ask for the DPE class. It is included in the lease and the diagnosis is attached. Classes A to D: controlled invoices; F to G: high heating costs.
  2. 2Check the date of the DPE: since the 1st July 2021, a stricter method applies. Previous ECDs should be updated. The DPE is valid for 10 years.
  3. 3Estimate the actual charges: a G ranking can represent +50 to 100 €/month in winter. Ask to see last year's heating bills if the house is heated by electricity or gas.
  4. 4For G housing in a rent-framed area (Lyon, Grenoble): from 2023, more possible increase to the rent-back (freezing of rents); from 2025, prohibition to rent without minimum insulation. It's a bargaining lever.
  5. 5Keep a copy of the DPE: if the actual consumption deviates significantly from the advertisement, it is a reason for contestation.

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • Do not look at the DPE class before signing and receive an unexpected winter invoice.
  • Signing a lease without the DPE as an annex — it is an obligation of the lessor.
  • Believe the optional DPE. For G housing, these are real costs and constraints for the owner.
  • Relying on an old DPE (before July 2021): the method has changed, notations are more severe.

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
Type of leaseRental supervisionReports on progress

Important remark

The DPE and renovation rules evolve in stages up to 2034. This information is indicative — for specific dates and prohibitions, refer to France Rénovs and service-public.fr.

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