Property owners can't afford to ignore diagnostics. But between the period of validity, the properties concerned according to their date of construction or location... it's hard to know what to do and what not to do. What better way to make sure you don't make any mistakes than with a little checklist?
Energy performance diagnosis (DPE)
Know your home's energy consumption
The DPE identifies energy performance by means of a label ranging from A to G, indicating the quantity of energy consumed and greenhouse gases emitted.
- Property concerned: all types of property (furnished, empty, professional, etc.).
- Operations covered: sale and rental
- Period of validity: 10 years
Lead exposure risk report
Avoid contamination
This document provides information on the presence of lead in certain coatings (old paint, etc.), to avoid any ingestion or inhalation that could have serious health consequences.
- Property concerned: residential property for which the building permit was issued before January 1, 1949.
- Operations covered: sale and rental
- Period of validity: less than one year in the case of sale, or less than 6 years in the case of rental.
Asbestos
Protect your health
An asbestos inspection is a diagnostic procedure used to identify the presence of materials or products containing asbestos, which may be hazardous to health.
- Properties concerned: those for which building permits were issued before July 1, 1997.
- Operations concerned: sale and rental
- Period of validity: unlimited if no trace of asbestos. Otherwise, a new report must be drawn up within 3 years of the diagnosis.
Asbestos diagnostics: a requirement for works
Since July 19, 2019, it has been compulsory to carry out an asbestos survey prior to works (RAAT), even for minor works. This obligation concerns work on buildings constructed before 1997, and applies to both professionals and private individuals. The diagnosis must be carried out before work begins. The diagnostician will visit the site to take samples, which will be sent to laboratories. If the analysis reveals the presence of asbestos, a specialized company will proceed with asbestos removal. If this asbestos survey is not carried out, the law stipulates penalties: an administrative fine of 9,000 euros and up to 9,000 euros in criminal fines.
Termites
Look for the little beast
Termites are wood-boring insects that can cause serious damage to the structure of a building, thus compromising the safety of its occupants.
- Property concerned: single-family homes and private portions of condominium lots located in an area declared infested by prefectoral decree.
- Operations concerned: sale
- Period of validity: 6 months
Interior gas installation
Put an end to leaks
This diagnosis assesses the condition of internal gas installations and verifies their compliance with current safety standards.
- Property concerned: homes where the installation is more than 15 years old.
- Operations concerned: sale and rental
- Period of validity: 3 years for sales and 6 years for rentals.
Interior electrical installation
Shed light on your home
This assessment of the state of the installation helps prevent domestic incidents that may result from faulty wiring.
- Property concerned: homes where the installation is more than 15 years old.
- Operations concerned: sale and rental
- Period of validity: 3 years for sales and 6 years for rentals.
Condition of non-collective sanitation installations
Prevent pollution
This document identifies any malfunctions in thesanitation system that could pose potential risks to the environment and human health.
- Properties concerned: houses and buildings not connected to the public wastewater collection network
- Operations concerned: sale
- Period of validity: 3 years
Why are property diagnostics required?
Whether you're selling or renting, property diagnostics are there to inform and reassure the buyer or tenant. Depending on the nature of the diagnosis:
- ensures the safety of people occupying the property;
- contributes to environmental protection and energy savings;
- provides a thorough understanding of the property to be bought or rented.
Risk and pollution report
Be safe from natural disasters
The aim of this diagnosis is to provide information on the risks incurred in certain sensitive areas subject to natural risks (flooding...), mining risks (underground cavities...) or technological risks (proximity of factories...).
- Properties concerned : properties located within a perimeter of exposure to risks delimited by a technological risk prevention plan approved by the préby the prefect, an area exposed to risks delimited by an approved plan for the prevention of foreseeable natural risks or residual mining risks by the prefect, an area under study as part of the preparation of a technological risk prevention plan or a plan for the prevention of foreseeable natural risks.vention plan for foreseeable natural risks, level 2, 3, 4 or 5 seismicity zones, and level 3 radon potential zones (radioactive gas).
- Targeted operations: sale and rental
- Period of validity: 6 months
From 2020...
The Elan law requires a geotechnical study to be carried out when selling a building plot. Supplied by the seller of the land and appended to the promise to sell, it determines the characteristics of the soil, its nature and the dimensions of the foundations of your future home.The purpose of this study is to identify the risks associated with the nature of the soil, to propose foundation solutions adapted to the nature of the soil and the project, and to ensure the solidity and durability of the construction. Required in high-risk areas (e.g. Brittany, Vosges or Massif Central), from 2020 onwards this soil survey will be compulsory in areas classified as medium or high risk. It will be valid for 30 years if the soil has not been modified.
Marie-christine Ménoire