The day you hold the keys to your new French home for the first time is a special one indeed. Whether you’re relocating permanently or plan to use the property as a holiday home, it is tremendously exciting to know you are now the proud owner of a house in France.

While you should take a moment to enjoy the sensation of turning your dream into a reality. You will, after a little while, have to engage with the some of the everyday responsibilities of that reality. Part of integrating into your new French life is learning about any rules and regulations regarding property ownership in France.

Whether your house is in pristine condition, move in ready or needs some renovation, here are three rules regarding home maintenance in France that you should know about.

Maintaining your home whether you are there all the time or only part time is something which needs to be adhered to. Most French homeowners take this very seriously. Let us take a look at these three rules which will apply to you, wherever your French home is situated.

Every chimney in your home must be swept at least once a year

Chimney sweeping

The rules about chimney sweeping are fairly strict with good reason. This is mostly of course due to fire risk: many houses are very old and many have quite a few chimneys!

The rules say that chimneys need to be professionally swept at least once a year and owners need to have a certificate from a properly registered and qualified chimney sweep in order to prove it.

Make sure you shop around for the best deal as prices do vary

Understandably, you may not have the details of a chimney sweep when you move into a new property. Ask at your local mairie for advice and they should be able to help you find one. Make sure you get a quotation before you commit as the prices can vary and it’s possible to get a good deal. The cost is usually around €100, but that is to service a single chimney. If your property has multiple fireplaces, you cost will likely be more.

Note that in some departments there is a requirement for chimneys to be swept twice a year. It is worth asking your estate agent about this when you are looking at properties in their area.

Finally, when you sell a property, you will need to have your chimney swept and provide a certificate as proof. The notaire will always ask for this. Many chimney sweeps will put a note in about the condition of the chimney but don’t worry if yours gets criticism: most chimneys and wood burners will have come in for frequent use and there are bound to be some things which could be improved upon. This should not affect the sale. The important thing is to have the certificate which the notaire will attach to the “compromis de vente” and later to the “acte de vente”.

Failure to clear undergrowth around your home will result in hefty fines.

Clearing undergrowth to prevent fires

Forest fires are a hazard in France, as they are in many countries with vast expanses of natural vegetation and growth. France has long been at the forefront in terms of preventative measures against the risk of fire.

As a property owner in France, you are obliged to clear all undergrowth around both your house and your land by July 1st each year at the latest. This is part of the “code forestier” which makes it a duty to each property owner. Called “débroussaillement” in French, this means that you need to clear all undergrowth from your property up to a minimum of 50 metres from your house. Note that in some departments the mairie will require a minimum distance of 100 metres. Again, it is wise to check with your mairie!

This rule is there not only in order to protect your property but to make the fire service’s task easier by creating a path to deal with and contain any fire.

The emphasis is rightly on safety in France

It is important to carry out this clearance work or you may find yourself with a fine. The mairie are entitled to dish these out to anyone not complying with the rule. Happily, the mairie will undertake any work themselves in the case of property owners failing to do it themselves. So, if a neighbour is not acting responsibly, you shouldn’t have to live with the risk for long. The emphasis is rightly on safety in France.

Note that this rule has only recently been updated in that anyone selling their French property is obliged to inform potential buyers of the rules to clear undergrowth. This also applies to rentals. It means that information on undergrowth clearance must be included in the sales brochure. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Hopefully any decent estate agent will know about this, but it is always wise to doublecheck since you will be the one responsible for not informing any new owner of the rule!

In practice, you simply need to include a note to any potential new owner of your property along with a link to the “georisques” website which provides information on any risks the property may face. The French government has created a useful website with a map showing fire risks in a particular area.

There are many designs of shelter to fit the aesthetic of your home

Swimming pool security

Since 2002, there have been strict safety laws for owners of private pools. Again, this is to ensure the pool is safe for owners and guests. To remain compliant, every pool must be protected by a security system. There is a steep fine if you are found without an approved system in place.

There are four parts to the system you’ll need to install. A barrier that would prevent a child of five or under from getting to the pool without the aid of an adult. You will also need an alarm sensor that detects if someone falls into the water. A pool cover is also essential. In addition to the cover, you will also need a pool shelter. This rigid structure is similar to a conservatory that prevents unwanted access to the pool.

The law applies to all in ground outdoor pools, but it does not apply to above ground or indoor pools

When it comes to selling your home, you will need to provide evidence of these safety devices to the notaire. Each device has to be up to Afnor (Association française de normalisation) safety guidelines standards. Note that the law applies to all in ground outdoor pools, but it does not apply to above ground or indoor pools.

These three home maintenance regulations are of course all designed with your and your family’s safety in mind. If in doubt about what you need to do, as always, go and ask at your mairie, always a source of great information for new French homeowners!