IN BRIEF |
|
| 1. Energy decency | A accommodation must be decent according to five criteria, notably the energy performance minimal and the absence of risks. |
| 2. Energetic criteria | Since January 1, 2023, a accommodation consuming more than 450 kwh/m²/year is classified as a thermal strainer and is no decent. |
| 3. DPE performance | From 2025, the minimum DPE score for a decent accommodation will be F, with increases planned for subsequent years. |
| 4. Furnished rental | From 2025, the furnished accommodation to rent must obtain at least class F of the DPE. |
| 5. Legislation | There climate law imposes new standards, aiming to gradually raise the level energy required for a accommodation be qualified as decent. |
In a context where ecological issues are becoming crucial, the energy efficiency of housing is becoming increasingly important, particularly for furnished rentals. The idea of a habitat decent is no longer limited to simple living space. From now on, legislation imposes strict criteria, aimed at improving the energy performance housing. From 2025, these criteria will evolve further, with the obligation to reach at least the class F of the Energy Performance Diagnosis (EPD), thus reflecting a proactive approach to avoid thermal sieves. Owners are therefore forced to review the characteristics of their homes to align with these new standards, thus guaranteeing their tenants a healthy and environmentally friendly living environment.
As part of the energy transition and compliance with ecological standards, the energy efficiency of furnished accommodation for rent has become an essential requirement. Indeed, recent and strict criteria have been put in place to guarantee that each accommodation is both comfortable and respectful of the environment. This article explores these criteria as well as recent regulatory reforms that govern the rental of housing.
Energy efficiency and rental of furnished accommodation
There energy performance is at the heart of recent reforms concerning the rental of furnished accommodation. Since January 1, 2023, housing consuming more than 450 kWh/m²/year is considered not decent, often described as a “thermal sieve” due to its poor insulation. With this in mind, the French government prohibits the rental of such accommodation in order to encourage energy renovations. All housing must meet a level of energy performance which will be gradually increased over the years. For more information, visit the dedicated page of And here.
The decency criteria for furnished accommodation
To rent furnished accommodation, several criteria must be met. Besides the minimum surface area, which requires that a habitable room be at least 9 m², the question of energy performance is crucial. From the start of 2025, all rented accommodation must have a minimum rating of F on the Energy Performance Diagnosis (EPD). These criteria aim to reduce the number of energy-intensive housing units and ensure comfortable and healthy housing for all tenants.
The impact of the climate law on housing
The climate law introduced major reforms for owners and landlords. One of the flagship measures consists of a ban on renting G-rated housing from 2023, in order to fight against thermal strainers. In 2025, only housing classified at least F will be rentable, and this threshold will increase to E in 2028. This progressive process encourages owners to undertake the necessary renovations to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
Tips for ensuring your home is compliant
To ensure that your home meets the decency criteria, it is essential to carry out an Energy Performance Diagnosis (EPD). The results will tell you what work should be considered to improve the insulation or the heating system. Hiring professionals to carry out these renovations can seem expensive, but financial assistance is available to support owners in this transition. Also remember to regularly check the conformity of the electrical and gas installations, because accommodation for rent must be safe for its occupants. More details can be viewed on the website Public Service.
Recent criteria to guarantee decent housing in furnished rentals
| Criteria | Minimum Requirements |
| Living Area | At least 9 m² for at least one room |
| Energy Performance 2023 | Not greater than 450 kwh/m²/year |
| Energy Performance 2025 | At least classified F in the DPE |
| Energy Performance 2028 | At least classified E in the DPE |
| Basic Equipment | Must be furnished, compliant with electrical standards |
| No Health Risk | Absence of excessive humidity and mold |
| Inventory | Secure building, without risks for the tenant |
| Electrical Installation | Meets standards, compliant for the year 2024 |
| Compliance with the Climate Law | Steady increase in energy requirements |
-
Energy efficiency:
- Minimum performance level from 2025: class F according to the DPE.
- Non-decency: Consumption greater than 450 kWh/m²/year since 2023.
- Gradual increase in requirements: Class E in 2028.
- Minimum performance level from 2025: class F according to the DPE.
- Non-decency: Consumption greater than 450 kWh/m²/year since 2023.
- Gradual increase in requirements: Class E in 2028.
-
Rental of furnished accommodation:
- Minimum living space for a room: 9 m².
- Ban on renting classified accommodation G since 2023.
- Compliance required according to climate law.
- Minimum living space for a room: 9 m².
- Ban on renting classified accommodation G since 2023.
- Compliance required according to climate law.
- Minimum performance level from 2025: class F according to the DPE.
- Non-decency: Consumption greater than 450 kWh/m²/year since 2023.
- Gradual increase in requirements: Class E in 2028.
- Minimum living space for a room: 9 m².
- Ban on renting classified accommodation G since 2023.
- Compliance required according to climate law.