DPE 2026 Reform in France: New Rules for the Energy Rating

The DPE (diagnostic de performance energetique) is the official energy rating attached to every French dwelling for sale or rent. The 2026 reform refines its calculation, aligns rules for small apartments, and confirms the ban on renting class G housing (energy "passoires") that took effect on 1 January 2025. From 2028, class F dwellings will also be banned from rental.

> **Key takeaways**

> - Class G housing has been banned from new rentals since 1 January 2025.

> - From 1 January 2028 the ban extends to class F.

> - The 2026 calculation reform corrects small-flat over-rating issues.

> - DPE is valid 10 years; cost EUR 100 to EUR 250 depending on property.

> - The reform is led by the Ministry of the Ecological Transition.

What the DPE is and why it matters

Created by the 2006 law and substantially overhauled in 2021, the DPE rates a dwelling from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on its primary energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions per square metre per year. The rating must be displayed in every sale or rental advert (article R.126-15 of the Code de la construction et de l'habitation) - see ecologie.gouv.fr for the official methodology.

The DPE underpins France's *Loi Climat et Resilience* of August 2021: dwellings rated F or G are progressively banned from the rental market, must be renovated, and are subject to rent freezes.

What changes in 2026

The 2026 reform, published in the Journal Officiel in late 2025, applies to all new DPEs issued from 1 January 2026:

**Small-area correction**: the previous method over-rated apartments under 40 m2 (large surface-to-volume ratio for heat losses). The 2026 method recalibrates the calculation and is expected to move around 140,000 small flats out of class F or G.
**Updated emission factors**: the electricity carbon intensity used in the calculation is updated to reflect the 2024-2025 grid mix, slightly improving electric-heated dwellings.
**New input rules**: ventilation systems and recent retrofit works must now be evidenced by invoices for the diagnostiqueur to credit them in the calculation.

The reform follows ADEME recommendations and was supported by professional federations of certified diagnostiqueurs.

Calendar of rental bans

The progressive ban on renting the worst-rated dwellings follows the *Loi Climat et Resilience*:

**1 January 2023**: rent freeze for class F and G - no rent increase between leases or at renewal.
**1 January 2025**: class G housing banned from new rentals (existing leases continue but cannot be extended on the same terms).
**1 January 2028**: ban extended to class F.
**1 January 2034**: ban extended to class E.

Tenants in concerned housing can ask the courts for renovation works; if the landlord refuses, they can request a rent reduction.

How a DPE is conducted

Only a certified diagnostiqueur registered with the official observatoire can issue a valid DPE. The procedure includes:

A site visit (heating, hot water, insulation, ventilation, openings).
A standardised calculation via approved software based on the official 3CL method.
A 10-year-valid report with the energy class, the GHG class and a recommended works package.
Cost between EUR 100 and EUR 250 (no regulated price; the DGCCRF reminds owners to obtain several quotes).

Financial aids for renovation

A poor DPE rating is the gateway to most French renovation aids:

MaPrimeRenov' - direct grant via Anah, scaled by income.
CEE (certificats d'economies d'energie) - bonuses paid by energy suppliers.
Eco-PTZ - interest-free loan up to EUR 50,000 for global renovation packages.
Reduced 5.5 percent VAT on most energy-renovation works.

For ongoing energy support, see our pieces on the energy check 2026 and the SMIC and pensions in 2026. For more general 2026 changes, see what changes in March 2026.

What to do if your DPE seems wrong

Owners with a clearly contested rating (typically very modest flats rated G that look better in practice) can request a *DPE de mise a jour* under the 2026 method - diagnostiqueurs are encouraged to issue corrected reports for free where the previous method led to a downgrade. The Anah and the local *Espace Conseil France Renov* can help with the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DPE compulsory in France?

Yes - for every sale or rental of a dwelling. The DPE must appear in the advert, the lease or sale promise, and remain available for 10 years from issuance.

What changes in the 2026 DPE method?

Small-flat correction, updated electricity carbon intensity and stricter evidence rules for retrofit works. The reform applies to all DPEs issued from 1 January 2026.

When are class F and G dwellings banned from rental?

G housing has been banned from new rentals since 1 January 2025; F housing will follow on 1 January 2028; E housing on 1 January 2034 under the current *Loi Climat et Resilience* calendar.

How much does a DPE cost?

Between EUR 100 and EUR 250 depending on property size and region. There is no regulated price - DGCCRF recommends comparing several quotes from certified diagnostiqueurs.

Where can I check that my diagnostiqueur is certified?

On the official observatoire-dpe-audit.ademe.fr portal, which lists certified professionals and recently issued DPEs.

Can I challenge a DPE?

Yes - you can request a counter-expertise from another certified diagnostiqueur or, where the 2024-2025 method appears to disadvantage your dwelling, an updated DPE under the 2026 method.

Sources

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or real-estate advice. For your personal situation, please consult an Espace Conseil France Renov or a certified diagnostiqueur. Updated 28 May 2026.