{"id":89773,"date":"2025-02-27T13:52:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T12:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=89773"},"modified":"2025-09-16T18:23:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T16:23:18","slug":"epc-regulations-rental-chalets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/epc-regulations-rental-chalets\/","title":{"rendered":"New EPC regulations: what are the implications for short-term rental chalets?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EPC and short-term lets: what you need to know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cEnergy Performance Certificate\u201d (EPC) is a mandatory indicator that ranks homes according to their energy consumption and environmental impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than just a technical document, it influences the value of the property and its rental prospects. However, seasonal lettings are covered by a special scheme which, under certain conditions, allows you to avoid the constraints imposed on properties let on a year-round basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chalet Lodge Rodzina in La Clusaz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Partial exemption for holiday lets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Primary or secondary residences rented on a short-term basis (for instance, seasonal rentals) are not subject to the EPC obligation, as long as the rental remains occasional and does not exceed 120 cumulative days per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This rule is based on article L324-1-1 of the French Tourism Code, which sets this threshold for main residences, but also accepts it as a reference for occasional use of secondary residences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the property is rented for more than 120 days a year, whether as a primary or secondary residence, it may be considered a regular or commercial rental activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, local authorities may decide to reclassify the property as a regular furnished rental, which makes the EPC compulsory, in accordance with article L126-28 of the French Construction and Housing Code (Code de la construction et de l\u2019habitation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working towards a ban on energy-inefficient housing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Homes with a EPC rating of G will no longer be able to be let starting from 2025, followed by F-rated homes in 2028 and E-rated homes in 2035. This deadline may seem a long way off, but it means that investments need to be made in advance to avoid a future rental ban. For a chalet in a ski resort, where rental demand is high in winter, failure to comply with these standards could result in a significant loss of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are chalets covered by the EPC?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mountain chalets have particular characteristics that influence their energy performance. Built mainly of wood, they benefit from good natural insulation, but are often equipped with energy-guzzling heating systems. The extreme climate experienced in ski resorts increases energy consumption, particularly in a bid to maintain optimum comfort levels during the winter months. The EPC regulations, however, apply the same classification criteria to all types of properties, without taking into account the environment or climatic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chalet
Chalet Alti in Le Grand-Bornand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

According to a study carried out by My Sweet Immo<\/strong><\/a>, almost 50% of homes in ski resorts (including many ageing apartments) are rated F or G, which underlines the urgent need to adapt these homes to the new energy requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I improve the energy performance of my chalet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main way to improve the EPC rating is through effective thermal renovation. Upgrading attic and wall insulation will limit heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Replacing windows with double or triple glazing is also an effective way of preventing heat loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From an energy point of view, it makes sense to opt for more efficient heating systems. Installing an air-to-water or air-to-air heat pump reduces electricity consumption while ensuring optimum comfort in winter. Pellet stoves and biomass boilers are also environmentally-friendly alternatives for chalets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, integrating renewable energies, such as thermal or photovoltaic solar panels, can be an interesting way of improving the EPC rating while reducing energy costs in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more advice, read this article<\/strong>: \u201cHow to make your holiday rental property more sustainable<\/strong><\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy renovation: a profitable investment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the initial costs of energy renovation may seem high, it\u2019s important to consider them as a long-term investment. For example, effective insulation can reduce a chalet\u2019s energy consumption by 30-50%, saving several hundred euros a year on heating bills. Similarly, installing a heat pump can cut energy consumption by 65% compared with conventional electric heating, generating savings of over \u20ac1,000 a year depending on the size of the chalet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Ademe (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency), the value of a well-renovated property can rise by 5-15% on the property market, making the investment profitable not only in terms of energy savings, but also in terms of resale value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n RENT OUT YOUR CHALET WITH OVO NETWORK<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Find a certified professional and choose a company that specialises in energy renovation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Find a certified professional to carry out your <\/strong>EPC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Carrying out a reliable EPC that complies with legal requirements requires the services of a certified professional. You can find one via the website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition<\/a><\/strong> or the Ademe we<\/strong><\/a>bsite<\/a><\/strong>. Specialist platforms such as AlloDiagnostic and Diagamter also offer diagnostic services tailored to mountain chalets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Example<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to find a company specialising in energy renovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finding a competent company to carry out the energy renovation of your chalet can be a challenge, but there are a number of criteria to help you make the right choice. It\u2019s essential to give preference to RGE-certified professionals (\u201cReconnu Garant de l\u2019Environnement\u201d), as this certification guarantees that the work complies with ecological requirements and gives access to certain financial aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can start your search via specialist platforms such as France R\u00e9nov\u2019, which lists qualified companies in every region. It\u2019s also a good idea to read customer reviews online and request several quotes to compare services and prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Using local companies has its advantages, as they usually have a better understanding of the specific climatic conditions of mountain chalets. Well-known companies in the field include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n