EPC and rental bans: the 2025-2034 timeline

Since the Climate and Resilience Act of 22 August 2021, the most energy-hungry homes — so-called "energy sieves" — have been progressively banned from being let. This guide sets out the full timeline of the bans, the rent freeze, the properties affected and the ways to bring a home back into compliance.

What is a thermally inefficient home (energy sieve)?

The energy performance certificate (EPC / DPE) rates every home from A (very efficient) to G (very energy-hungry) according to its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Homes rated F and G, which consume the most, are known as "energy sieves".

Since the EPC reform of July 2021, the certificate is legally binding (opposable): it commits the landlord in law, in the same way as an asbestos or lead survey. It is valid for ten years.

• Ratings A and B: efficient homes, no restrictions.
• Ratings C, D and E: letting permitted, until the 2034 deadline for rating E.
• Ratings F and G: energy sieves, frozen rent and a progressive ban.

The timeline of rental bans (2025-2034)

Lawmakers have staggered the ban on letting according to the energy rating. The deadlines apply to new tenancies and renewals; a tenancy already in progress continues until its term ends.

• 1 January 2023: homes consuming more than 450 kWh/m²/year (the worst-performing G properties) are already banned from being let.
• 1 January 2025: ban on letting homes rated G.
• 1 January 2028: ban on letting homes rated F.
• 1 January 2034: ban on letting homes rated E.

These dates apply in mainland France. A separate, later timeline applies in the overseas territories (2028 for rating G, 2031 for rating F).

The rent freeze on F and G homes

Regardless of the rental ban, the rent on homes rated F or G has been frozen since 24 August 2022. In practice, the landlord can no longer increase the rent through the rent reference index (IRL), raise it when re-letting, or apply a rent supplement in a rent-control zone.

This freeze is lifted as soon as the home reaches at least rating E after works, confirmed by a new EPC.

Which tenancies and which homes are affected?

The ban targets homes governed by the Act of 6 July 1989: main residences, whether unfurnished or furnished. The deadlines apply when a new tenancy is signed or renewed, and not during the performance of a tenancy already in progress.

A tenant living in a home that has become unfit can ask the landlord to carry out the necessary works, or even take the matter to court. Failure to meet the energy fitness obligation exposes the landlord to a reduction or a suspension of the rent.

How do you lift the ban?

The only lasting way out is an energy retrofit: insulating the walls, roof and floors, replacing the heating system, ventilation, and high-performance doors and windows. An energy audit, which is mandatory when selling an energy sieve, identifies the works that will move the property up one or more ratings.

Moving from G or F to E lifts both the rental ban and the rent freeze. Many grants help fund these works: MaPrimeRénov', the interest-free eco-loan (éco-prêt à taux zéro), energy-saving certificates (CEE) and local grants. Our dedicated guide sets out each of these schemes in detail.