A landlord applies the annual IRL revision just like every year. Except the studio is rated G on the DPE — and since 24 August 2022 that increase is simply illegal. The tenant can refuse it and claim a refund. It is one of the costliest and least-known traps in French rental management: the rent freeze on energy-inefficient homes. Here are the exact rules, the dates, the leases affected, and what a landlord can still do.
The rule and the dates
The Climate and Resilience Act prohibits any rent increase — annual IRL revision or re-assessment at renewal — for homes rated F or G on the energy performance assessment (DPE).
- Mainland France: ban since 24 August 2022.
- Overseas France: ban since 1 July 2024.
Which leases are affected
The freeze applies to all primary-residence contracts, unfurnished or furnished, signed, renewed or tacitly extended since the effective date, where the home is rated F or G. It does not matter whether an indexation clause is in the lease: if the DPE is F or G, the clause cannot operate.
Revising anyway: the increase is unenforceable. The tenant can refuse it and demand a refund of any overpayment.
DPE validity: an often-overlooked point
The class that counts is the one on a currently valid DPE. Useful reminders: DPEs done before 1 January 2018 are no longer valid; those issued between 2018 and 30 June 2021 expired at the end of 2024; those done since 1 July 2021 are valid for 10 years. If the DPE attached to the lease is no longer valid, commission a new one before any revision decision.
What the landlord can still do
- Renovate to leave F/G: insulation, heating, ventilation. A new DPE at E or better reopens the right to revise for subsequent due dates.
- Keep collecting the current rent: the freeze does not cancel the rent, it only blocks increases.
- Plan ahead for the letting bans: G-rated homes are progressively banned from new lettings, followed by F. Renovation also protects the asset's value.
Avoid an illegal revision automatically
The risk comes mostly from inattention: revising "as usual" without checking the DPE. By recording each home's energy class, FacturZen blocks revision-letter generation for an F or G property and shows the legal explanation. For eligible homes (A to E), the calculation method is the one in our IRL index article and the letter follows the rent revision letter template.
Conclusion
The rent freeze on energy-inefficient homes is not an option but a prohibition. Checking the DPE before every revision is not a formality: it is what separates a valid increase from a dispute lost before it starts.
Try FacturZen free for 14 days — IRL revision is blocked automatically for F and G homes, with no risk of error.
Frequently asked questions
Since when is rent revision banned for DPE F and G homes?
Since 24 August 2022 in mainland France, under the Climate and Resilience Act. For French overseas departments and regions, the ban applies from 1 July 2024.
Which leases are affected by the rent freeze?
All primary-residence leases (unfurnished or furnished) signed, renewed or tacitly extended since 24 August 2022, where the home is rated F or G on the DPE. The freeze covers both the annual IRL revision and any re-assessment at renewal.
What does a landlord risk by revising anyway?
The increase is unenforceable: the tenant can refuse to pay it and claim back any overpaid amounts, with no particular time limit. The landlord also risks a dispute and an unfavourable ruling if the demand is maintained.
Can a new DPE unlock the revision?
Yes. If energy-renovation works move the home to class E or better and a valid new DPE proves it, revision becomes possible again for subsequent due dates. Attach the new DPE to the notification.
How do I make sure I don't revise an F or G home by mistake?
Record each home's DPE class in your management tool. FacturZen automatically blocks generating a revision letter for an F- or G-rated property and shows the legal explanation, preventing an illegal increase.
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