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Introduced in 2006, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) informs prospective buyers or tenants about a property's energy consumption, rated from “A” (highly efficient) to “G” (energy-intensive).
The EPC also includes recommendations for improvement works.
To restore trust and combat fraudulent assessments, a reform plan was launched in March 2025 through several legal texts:
- Law no. 2025-594 of 30 June 2025, aimed at tackling renovation fraud and misuse of public aid;
- Five decrees, including:
Decree of 16 June 2025 (amending 20 July 2023 decree)
- Certification bodies now undergo checks every 10 months (previously 15), by Cofrac.
- From 1 October 2025, a statistical tool integrated into ADEME will monitor anomalies, such as excessive EPCs issued by a single assessor.
- Sanctioned assessors may be blacklisted for 18 months, or 24 in case of repeat offences.
Decree of 16 June 2025 (amending 31 March 2021 decree)
- From 1 July 2025, each assessor must present a QR code to clients to ensure software security and prevent fraud.
- From 1 September 2025, a QR code on the EPC’s first page allows property owners to verify details via ADEME’s DPE-Audit Observatory.
- From 1 October 2025, EPC results (energy and carbon ratings) will only be valid after submission to ADEME, preventing undue pressure on assessors.
Decree of 30 June 2025 (JORF 10 August 2025)
Sets conditions for assessors from other EU/EEA countries to conduct EPCs in France.
Effective from 11 August 2025.
Decree of 28 July 2025 (JORF 1 August 2025)
Defines anomalies detected via statistical analysis, e.g. over 1,000 EPCs issued in 12 months by one assessor.
Effective from 1 October 2025.
Decree of 13 August 2025 (JORF 26 August 2025)
To improve EPCs for electrically heated homes, the electricity conversion factor will drop from 2.3 to 1.9.
EPCs issued before 1 January 2026 remain valid for 10 years.
From 1 January 2026, owners can download a free official certificate with the new EPC label using the EPC number.