Mandatory diagnostics for a rental: the technical report (DDT)

Before signing a tenancy agreement, the landlord must give the tenant a mandatory diagnostics report (dossier de diagnostic technique, DDT). This report brings together several mandatory diagnostics that inform the tenant about the condition and safety of the property. This guide sets out each diagnostic required for a rental, how long it remains valid and the penalties incurred if it is missing.

The mandatory diagnostics report (DDT)

The DDT is attached to the tenancy agreement at the time of signing. Its contents depend on the year the property was built, its location and its fittings. Some diagnostics are required everywhere (the DPE and the risks statement), others only for older properties (lead, asbestos) or for ageing installations (gas, electricity).

The energy performance diagnostic (diagnostic de performance énergétique, DPE)

The DPE is mandatory for every rental. It rates the property from A to G according to its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and it is now legally binding (opposable). It remains valid for ten years. Since the Climate and Resilience Act (loi Climat et Résilience), the DPE rating determines whether a property may be let: G-rated properties have been barred from letting since 2025, F-rated ones will be from 2028 and E-rated ones from 2034.

Lead, asbestos, gas and electricity

Depending on the age of the property and its installations, several further technical diagnostics may be required:

• the lead exposure risk assessment (constat de risque d'exposition au plomb, CREP): mandatory for properties built before 1 January 1949; it is valid indefinitely if no lead is detected, and for six years otherwise;
• the asbestos assessment: for buildings whose planning permission predates 1 July 1997; the tenant must be informed of its presence;
• the assessment of the internal gas and electricity installation: mandatory when the installation is more than fifteen years old; for a rental it is valid for six years.

Risks statement (ERP) and noise diagnostic

The risks and pollution statement (état des risques et pollutions, ERP) informs the tenant of the natural, mining, technological, seismic or soil-pollution risks to which the property is exposed. It is mandatory in the areas concerned and is valid for only six months: it must therefore be updated if the tenancy agreement is signed more than six months after it was drawn up.

The noise diagnostic is required for properties located within an airport noise exposure zone. It informs the tenant of aircraft noise nuisance and refers to the noise exposure plans.

Habitable floor area (loi Boutin)

For an unfurnished rental used as a main residence, the tenancy agreement must state the property's habitable floor area, known as the surface Boutin. It differs from the surface Carrez, which is used for sales of leasehold (copropriété) property. A floor area overstated by more than one twentieth (5%) to the tenant's detriment may give rise to a reduction in rent.

Validity, cost and penalties

The diagnostics must be carried out by a certified surveyor (diagnostiqueur). Their cost is borne by the landlord and varies with the floor area and the number of diagnostics; they are often bundled into a single package. An incorrect DPE or a missing diagnostic makes the landlord liable: the tenant can claim damages, a rent reduction, or even have the tenancy agreement declared void in the most serious cases. Keeping the DDT up to date and attaching it to the tenancy agreement is therefore essential.