Termite inspections are not mandatory everywhere in France. When selling a building located in an area designated by prefectural decree, the seller must provide a report on the presence of termites, which is included in the Technical Inspection File (DDT) given to the buyer.
This obligation related to the sale must be distinguished from other provisions set forth in the regulations. In certain sectors, the mayor may, in particular, require property owners to conduct a termite inspection and, if necessary, carry out preventive or eradication measures.
Would you like to understand exactly what it covers, how the process works, and how long it’s valid? Check out our comprehensive guide on termite inspection.
Key Points at a Glance
- Termite inspections are not required throughout the entire country.
- When a property is sold, this requirement applies to buildings located within an area designated by a prefectural order.
- It is then included in the Technical Diagnostic Report (DDT).
- A municipal order to inspect for termites is a separate requirement from the obligation associated with the sale.
In what cases is a termite inspection required when selling a home?
When selling a building located in an area designated by prefectural order, the seller must have a report prepared regarding the presence of termites. This document is included in the Technical Inspection Report provided to the buyer.
Outside these areas, this status is not required under this sales obligation. It is therefore important to verify the classification of the area in which the property is located before the transaction.
Is a Termite Inspection Required or Not? Key Scenarios
| Location | Should a termite inspection report be included in the sales contract? |
| Sale of a building located in an area designated by prefectural order | Yes |
| Sale of a building located outside these zones | No, under this obligation |
| Occupied property not intended for sale | Not under the sales DDT heading |
| Mayor’s Order in an Affected Area | Separate provision: The mayor may require a termite inspection and repairs |
To check whether your municipality is located in an affected area, consult our map of termite infestations in France.
Why was this requirement established?
The law of June 8, 1999, established a specific framework in France designed to better protect buyers and owners of real estate against termites.
The regulations cover, among other things, providing information at the point of sale, demarcating the affected areas, reporting infestations, and granting local authorities the power to take action.
These regulations have several objectives:
- better inform buyers;
- improve understanding of the areas in question;
- promote a collective approach to termite risk management.
What is the role of prefectural decrees?
Prefectural decrees play a key role in the enforcement of termite regulations. They define the municipalities or areas where the presence of termites has been confirmed or is sufficiently likely to warrant specific measures.
In a real estate sale, the location of the building or house within an area designated by a prefectural order determines whether a report on the presence of termites must be provided.
These orders may change over time to account for the emergence of new outbreaks or the expansion of the affected areas.
To understand how these areas are identified, see our feature on termite-prone areas.
To learn more about the legal implications of these decisions, please also see our feature onthe prefectural order regardingtermites.
Who is required to report a termite infestation to city hall?
As soon as an occupant becomes aware of the presence of termites in a building—whether constructed or not—he or she must report it to city hall. If there is no occupant, this obligation falls to the owner; for the common areas of a condominium, it falls to the condominium association.
The report must be submitted to City Hall within one month of the discovery of termites.
Can the mayor require a termite inspection?
Yes. In areas designated by the city council, the mayor may require owners of developed or undeveloped properties to conduct a termite inspection and carry out the necessary preventive or eradication measures within six months.
This order is a separate requirement from the appraisal required for certain real estate sales.
Why is this regulation important?
The mandatory termite inspection is, above all, an informational measure.
It allows buyers to understand the condition of the property at the time of sale and helps improve termite risk prevention across the region.
Together with prefectural orders, reporting requirements, and the powers granted to local authorities, it is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at limiting the impact of infestations on buildings.
To put these requirements into a broader context regarding risk, termite infestations, and ways to address them, see our comprehensive guide to termites.
What should you do if the inspection reveals the presence of termites?
The discovery of termites does not automatically result in the sale inspection report leading to a recommendation for a specific treatment. However, it does trigger certain disclosure requirements, and when termites are found in the building, a report must be filed with city hall in accordance with the regulations.
If an infestation is confirmed, the next step is to assess the building’s condition and determine what solutions are available. Check out our feature on how to eliminate termites.
Frequently asked questions
Is a termite inspection required everywhere in France?
No. It is generally required only when the property is located in an area covered by a prefectural order issued due to the risk of termites.
Is a termite inspection required for all real estate sales?
No. This requirement depends on the property’s location. Outside of regulated areas, the inspection is generally not required by law.
Who decides which areas require mandatory testing?
The areas in which a termite inspection report is required at the time of a sale are designated by prefectural ordinance.
Can the mayor require a termite inspection?
Yes. In certain areas designated by the city council, the council may require property owners to conduct a termite inspection and carry out the necessary preventive or eradication measures.
Is a termite inspection the same as a pest inspection?
No. A termite inspection is a regulated inspection that must comply with a specific legal framework. A pest inspection may cover a broader scope depending on the situation.
To understand the differences between these two documents, check out our comprehensive guide on termite inspections and pest infestations.
Key Points
- Termite inspections are not required throughout France.
- His obligation depends primarily on the prefectural ordinances in effect.
- It is used to provide information to buyers during a real estate sale.
- Property owners may also be subject to certain reporting requirements if termites are discovered.
- If you have any doubts or if an infestation is confirmed, it is recommended that you consult a qualified professional.