France's DPE letting-ban timetable is already running. The most energy-inefficient G-rated homes have been banned from new lettings since 1 January 2025; all G-rated properties follow in 2028; F-rated in 2034. In parallel, any F- or G-rated property has been subject to a rent freeze since August 2022 — even with an IRL revision clause. Here's the full timeline, the exact thresholds, what renovated properties must achieve, and the ancillary DPE obligations.
Letting-ban timeline
| Date | DPE class | What is banned |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Aug 2022 | F and G | Any rent revision (immediate freeze) |
| 1 Jan 2025 | G+ (> 450 kWh/m²/yr) | New lettings |
| 1 Jan 2028 | All G | All lettings incl. renewals |
| 1 Jan 2034 | All F | All lettings incl. renewals |
Leases signed before the applicable ban date can run to their natural end. The ban applies to new lettings (new tenant) and to renewals from the relevant date.
Rent freeze for F and G — current rules
Since 24 August 2022, any F- or G-rated property cannot have its rent increased — neither by the IRL annual revision nor for improvement works. The rent is frozen at the level in force on that date. This applies:
- Across the whole of France (not only zone tendue).
- For both unfurnished and furnished principal-residence leases.
- Even where the lease contains a valid IRL revision clause — the Climat et Résilience Act overrides the contractual clause.
See the dedicated article on the DPE F/G rent freeze.
What rating must renovated properties reach?
To lift the letting ban or rent freeze, the property must reach at least class E (≤ 420 kWh/m²/year in weighted primary energy under the 3CL-2021 method). A new DPE must be commissioned after the works to certify the new rating.
The most effective upgrades to move from G/F to E are typically: loft insulation (RTT 25–30%), wall insulation (15–25%), heating system replacement (air-to-water heat pump), and single-to-double glazing. MaPrimeRénov' grants and CEE energy certificates can finance a significant share of these works.
Impact on yield and resale value
An unrenovated thermal sieve loses on three fronts simultaneously: frozen rent (missed annual IRL gain), risk of forced vacancy after the ban date, and a resale discount of 10–20% for F/G properties according to notarial data. A renovation that lifts a property from G to C increases its market value by 15–25% on average in tight markets (DVF/Notaires data). Calculate the post-renovation yield with the FacturZen rental yield calculator.
Manage your rental portfolio and stay ahead of compliance deadlines — leases, receipts, IRL, all automated.
Frequently asked questions
Can a G-rated property still be rented in 2026?
Partially. The most energy-intensive G-rated properties (above 450 kWh of final energy per m² per year) have been banned from new lettings since 1 January 2025. Existing leases signed before that date can run to their natural end and be renewed until 1 January 2028, when all G-rated properties will be banned from letting.
How do I know whether my property is affected by the letting ban?
Check the DPE letter (A–G) and the consumption figure in kWh/m²/year on your energy performance certificate. Any G or F rating places you in the ban trajectory. Note that DPEs issued before 1 July 2021 are no longer valid — a new DPE under the 3CL-2021 method must be commissioned.
My DPE dates from 2019 — is it still valid?
No. DPEs issued before 1 July 2021 expired on 1 January 2023. You need a new one under the updated 3CL-2021 methodology. DPEs issued between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2024 are valid for 10 years.
Can I still revise the rent on a DPE F or G property?
No. Since 24 August 2022, any rent revision — including the annual IRL increase — is prohibited for F- and G-rated properties anywhere in France. The rent is frozen until the property is renovated to at least class E.
What happens if I let a banned property?
The tenant can apply to the court to order renovation works and/or a rent reduction. Selling the property also becomes more complicated (mandatory diagnostics trigger disclosures). Specific administrative fines are being finalised by decree.
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