Information
Bad Energy Ratings: Key Dates and Events
Energetic sieves (properties rated as classes F and G in the EPC) are the primary focus of public policies aimed at renovating the housing stock. These properties have high energy consumption levels, and their occupants often face energy poverty risks. To address this, various measures are being gradually implemented for properties classified as F or G, including:
Energetic Sieves
Energetic sieves (properties rated as classes F and G in the EPC) are the primary focus of public policies aimed at renovating the housing stock. These properties have high energy consumption levels, and their occupants often face energy poverty risks. To address this, various measures are being gradually implemented for properties classified as F or G, including:
Sales:
- Mandatory Energy Audits: Starting from April 1, 2023, all sales of individual houses and single-ownership collective housing buildings require a new energy audit.
- Rent Freeze: As of August 25, 2022, rent increases for these properties are frozen.
- Rental Prohibition: There will be a phased rental prohibition for these properties based on their energy performance:
- Starting from January 1, 2023, properties consuming more than 450 kWh of final energy per square meter per year.
- Properties classified as G from 2025.
- Properties classified as F from 2028.
- Properties classified as E from 2034.
Upcoming Changes
For Sales:
- December 31, 2024: The old version of EPCs will no longer be valid.
- January 1, 2025: Mandatory pre-sale energy audits for properties with EPC ratings of E.
- January 1, 2028: Introduction of transparency requirements in real estate listings and sales documents for "non-compliance with the obligation."
- January 1, 2033: Introduction of transparency requirements in real estate listings and sales documents for "non-compliance with the obligation" for condominiums.
- January 1, 2034: Mandatory pre-sale energy audits for properties with EPC ratings of D.
- January 1, 2050: All properties should have EPC ratings of A or B.
For Rentals:
- August 24, 2022: Rent freeze for properties with EPC ratings of F and G.
- January 1, 2023: Rental prohibited for new lease agreements if the annual consumption exceeds 450 kWh/m².
- December 31, 2024: The old version of EPCs will no longer be valid.
- January 1, 2025: Rental prohibited for properties with EPC ratings of G declared indecent.
- January 1, 2028: Rental prohibited for properties with EPC ratings of F. Transparency required for F and G.
- January 1, 2034: Rental prohibited for properties with EPC ratings of E.
- January 1, 2050: All properties should have EPC ratings of A or B.
Early Signs
In France, the regulation regarding energy audits is outlined in Article L. 233-1 of the Energy Code. It originally applied only to large companies with specific criteria. However, recent changes have expanded the scope to include individuals. This is just the beginning, as regulations are expected to extend to properties with higher energy classes (A, B, C, D, and especially E) in the future. Regulatory changes in this area are accelerating.
Key Dates and Events Leading Up to These Changes:
- 2012: Grenelle I and II introduced mandatory energy audits for properties with over 50 units with collective heating.
- 2014: The ALUR Law mandated work funds (implemented in 2017).
- 2015: The Energy Transition for Green Growth (TECV) Law introduced the obligation of insulation during renovations.
- 2019: The ELAN Law (November 2019 Ordinance) brought about the individualization of heating costs.
Significant Developments:
- 2020: Ma Prime Rénov' replaced the energy transition tax credit (CITE) and certain housing grants.
- 2020: The creation of Ma Prime Rénov' Copropriété aimed to achieve a 35% improvement in energy efficiency.
- 2021: The Climate and Resilience Law led to a redesign of the EPC and prohibited the renting of properties with G and F labels by 2025 and 2028, E by 2034, with price reductions initiated immediately.
- 2021: The obligation of the Multi-Year Works Plan was correlated with a modification of the work fund, requiring at least 2.5% of the total amount of PPT works.