Energy Performance Certificates and Seasonal Rentals in the Mountains: What Do You Need to Know?
Do you own a flat in a ski resort and rent it out by the week?
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is becoming a key consideration when planning the future of your holiday let.
The Le Meur Act of 19 November 2024 has tightened the requirements for furnished holiday accommodation, with a timetable that differs from that for long-term lets.
In mainland France, new applications for authorisation to change the use of a property to a furnished holiday let require an EPC rated from A to E.
From 1 January 2034, holiday lettings that do not constitute the landlord’s main residence must achieve an energy performance rating of A, B, C or D. There is no general deadline in 2028 for holiday lettings already in operation. [1]
In Méribel and other resorts, renovation also helps to improve comfort and keep heating costs under control. The Saulire agency offers an overview to help you understand your obligations and plan for the work ahead.
This article, in brief:
- The minimum Class E requirement applies to new permits for a change of use; it does not automatically apply to the very first time a property is let.
- The target for 2034 is a minimum energy efficiency rating of Class D for the furnished properties concerned, excluding the landlord’s main residence.
- Since January 2026, the electricity conversion factor has been reduced, which improves the calculated energy performance of properties using this energy source.
- Energy Efficiency Certificates (CEEs) can fund certain works in second homes. Other forms of financial assistance depend heavily on the use of the property and the composition of the co-ownership scheme.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and seasonal rentals in the mountains: why is this issue becoming so crucial?
Old buildings, poorly insulated walls and the cold climate can increase heating requirements. A well-planned renovation therefore serves two purposes: improving occupants’ comfort and anticipating regulatory requirements.
Figures from the FNAIM confirm the scale of the issue. In its study published on 18 December 2025, 28 per cent of homes in ski resort municipalities were classified as F or G. Including class E, nearly two-thirds of the housing stock is affected.
In the 71 main Alpine resorts analysed, nearly 75 per cent of homes are rated E, F or G. These figures predate the January 2026 reform: they do not represent an assessment of the housing stock following the recalculation. [2]
Since 1 January 2026, the conversion factor for electricity to primary energy has fallen from 2.3 to 1.9.
For properties with identical characteristics, the proportion of electricity in conventional energy consumption, expressed in terms of primary energy, has fallen by around 17.4 per cent. Some homes previously classified as F or G may therefore achieve a better energy rating – in some cases E or better – depending on their location and emissions levels. [3]
However, this change in calculation alone has not reduced actual energy consumption. The Ministry had estimated that around 850,000 main residences could be reclassified as no longer being ‘energy-inefficient’; this is a preliminary national estimate, not a result observed in the field. To find out the actual impact on your flat, check its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or its updated certificate. [3]
Key considerations for you as a mountain property owner:
- Check the insulation of walls, floors and roofs depending on the apartment’s location.
- Examine the heating and hot water systems.
- Identify windows and airtightness issues.
- Meet holidaymakers’ expectations regarding thermal comfort.
Is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) calculated differently in mountain areas?
The national method is the same, but it takes the property’s location into account. The standard calculation incorporates, in particular, the climate zone, altitude, building characteristics and fittings. It is not based solely on your bills or the number of weeks the property has actually been let. [4]
Certain thresholds are adjusted for properties situated above 800 metres in the relevant climate zones. Smaller properties have also benefited from specific thresholds since July 2024. The assessor must use the regulatory parameters applicable to your property.
There is therefore no general exemption from the EPC requirement for holiday let flats in resorts. [4]
Is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) compulsory for holiday lettings in holiday resorts?
Prior to the Le Meur Act, an energy performance certificate was not systematically required for holiday rentals. The current requirements depend, in particular, on authorisation for a change of use and the deadlines set out in the law.
The key criterion today is a new application for a change of use, where such authorisation is required locally. The owner must then provide an EPC rated from A to E. The ministerial response to question no. 5598 specifies that this requirement does not call into question authorisations that have already been issued. [1]
|
Deadline |
Requirement |
Properties concerned / situation |
| Since the entry into force of the Act of November 2024, applicable in 2025 | Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grades A to E, i.e. minimum grade E | New applications for planning permission to change the use of a property in mainland France |
| 1 January 2026 – deadline passed | Electricity coefficient reduced from 2.3 to 1.9; no new tourism threshold as of this date | New Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and updates to eligible previous EPCs |
| 20 May 2026 – statutory deadline passed | Mandatory registration as required by law; no new EPC classes | Launch of the national online service announced by the DGE for the fourth quarter of 2026 |
| 1 January 2034 | Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) A to D, i.e. minimum class D | Furnished holiday accommodation affected, excluding the landlord’s main residence; new authorisations for change of use: A to D |
Sources: Ministerial response no. 5598, the Le Meur Act, the Ministry for Housing and the DGE. [1, 3, 5]
Which properties are subject to the energy performance certificate (EPC) requirement?
A second home let on a seasonal basis must be assessed in accordance with local rules on declaration, registration and change of use. A declaration of a furnished holiday let and authorisation for a change of use are two separate procedures.
The 120-day limit – which may be reduced to 90 days by local council resolution – applies to the holiday letting of a main residence. It is not a general threshold triggering the energy performance certificate (EPC) requirement for a second home. The exclusion of the landlord’s main residence from the 2034 tourist requirements stems from its status, and not simply from the duration of the let. [6]
Do you already have a valid EPC issued since July 2021? The certificate available on ADEME’s EPC-Audit Observatory allows you to find out the new energy label based on the 2026 electricity coefficient. It retains the expiry date of the original EPC. [3]
Please feel free to discuss this with your estate agent if you’re considering buying a property in Méribel.
What penalties apply in the event of non-compliance?
Penalties vary depending on the offence and the date on which they apply. The EPC fine of €5,000 per property and the daily penalty of €100 fall under Article L. 324-2-2 of the Tourism Code, introduced by Article 3 of the Le Meur Act. This provision comes into force on 1 January 2034. [7]
|
Type of offence |
Maximum penalty | Reference and application |
| Renting out or continuing to rent out a property despite it having a non-compliant energy rating | €5,000 per property | Article L. 324-2-2; from 2034 |
| Failure to submit the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requested by the mayor, after the two-month deadline | Penalty payment of €100 per day | Article L. 324-2-2; from 2034 |
| Failure to comply with the applicable declaration subject to registration | €10,000 | Article L. 324-1-1, V; depending on the applicable provisions |
| False declaration in this procedure or false number | €20,000 | Article L. 324-1-1, V; not to be confused with an automatic energy performance certificate (DPE) fine |
The rules governing changes of use carry their own penalties. [6, 7]
How will platforms monitor listings in 2026?
As at 30 September 2026, it would be inaccurate to claim that the national online service is already operational everywhere. The DGE has announced that it will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. In the meantime, local procedures remain in force; where a local authority reference number is mandatory, it must be included in listings. [5]
Intermediaries collect the landlord’s statutory declarations and the number where required. The ‘meublés’ API facilitates the transmission of activity data to local authorities. The national scheme is intended to strengthen checks on numbers and the ability to remove listings, with a transition period for existing numbers. These checks do not constitute a systematic technical validation of the Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) by Airbnb or Abritel. [5, 6]
How do you carry out the Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) for a holiday let in the mountains?
Engage a certified and insured inspector to visit the property. Their certification is issued by an accredited body; it is therefore more accurate to refer to them as a ‘certified inspector’ rather than a ‘COFRAC-certified inspector’. Check their status in the official register of property energy performance assessors. [4]
The report must be submitted to ADEME and include an identification number. In a block of flats, the collective Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides useful information but does not automatically replace the individual EPC for each flat. The standard validity period is ten years; older energy performance certificates issued before July 2021 will no longer be valid in 2026. [4]
What information and documents should you prepare?
Compare several quotes and check that they include the site visit, the report and its submission to ADEME. Choose a professional who is familiar with blocks of flats and the types of installations found in mountainous areas.
Accredited professionals and best practice
All assessors must be listed in the official ADEME directory, which is available free of charge online.
Submitting the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to the ADEME observatory is not optional: it is a legal requirement that determines the validity of the document. Also check for COFRAC certification.
Be wary of abnormally low prices or assessments carried out remotely without a site visit, as a botched EPC could be contested by a tenant or invalidated during an inspection… To protect yourself from such practices, we strongly recommend obtaining several quotes and comparing them.
How much does an EPC cost in a ski resort?
For a flat, you should budget for around €150 to €300, to be confirmed by a local quote. There is no regulated rate or verified average for 2026 specific to Méribel or Courchevel.
| Type | Indicative budget range for requesting quotes |
|---|---|
| Studio / One-bedroom flat | €200 to €300 |
| One-bedroom / Two-bedroom | €300 to €450 |
| Two-bedroom / Three-bedroom flats | €450 to €550 |
| 6-room flats / large flats | €550 to €650 |
| Chalet or holiday complex | Personalised quote |
These price ranges are estimates to help you plan your budget; they are not a survey of actual prices charged in the resort. Please check the VAT, travel costs and the scope of the service.
How can you improve your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in the mountains? Renovation work and energy-saving strategies
Better energy performance contributes to comfort and helps keep running costs under control. However, the order in which work is carried out must be tailored to each flat. A flat under the roof, a corner flat and a flat surrounded by heated premises do not all suffer from the same heat loss.
Before you begin, an energy audit allows you to compare different scenarios and their estimated savings. Aiming for energy class D or better helps prepare for 2034; a class E, F or G rating requires an analysis of the necessary works, though this does not mean a general ban on tourist accommodation from 2028.
Insulation: THE top priority for mountain homes
In its guide ‘Insulating your home’, ADEME gives figures for an uninsulated house of 25–30 per cent of heat loss through the roof and 20–25 per cent through the walls, totalling 45–55 per cent for these two areas. An example of 30 per cent plus 20 per cent does indeed add up to 50 per cent, without including the floors. These figures are not applicable to every holiday apartment in a resort. [8]
External insulation addresses many discontinuities in the building envelope, but requires a collective decision and, in some cases, planning permission. Internal insulation may be suitable for certain private walls; it reduces the available floor area and requires particular attention to be paid to damp and ventilation.
Indicative comparison of insulation materials — for thermal resistance close to R = 4 m²·K/W, the theoretical thickness is calculated as e = R × λ:
| Insulation material | Approximate lambda value, W/(m·K) | Theoretical thickness for R = 4 | Indicative material-only cost per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-performance glass wool | 0.032 | 12.8 cm | €12 to €25 |
| Rock wool | 0.035 | 14 cm | €18 to €35 |
| Polyurethane panels | 0.022 | 8.8 cm | €25 to €60 |
| Loose-fill cellulose wadding | 0.039 to 0.041 depending on installation | 15.6 to 16.4 cm | €10 to €25 |
Lambdas: examples of products from ISOVER, ROCKWOOL, SOPREMA and Biofib. [9] Prices: budget estimates, excluding installation, finishes, membrane, framework, delivery and adaptations for mountainous areas; these are not guaranteed prices. The panels actually available and any settling of loose-fill insulation must be taken into account in the design. Applications vary: not all materials are interchangeable.
The choice must also take into account moisture behaviour, fire safety, acoustics and the existing substrate. Proper installation is just as important as the material itself.
Heating and hot water systems: what solutions are available at high altitudes?
Size the equipment to suit the actual climate. A heat pump is not ruled out in principle in mountainous areas: its capacity and efficiency at low temperatures, defrosting, supplementary heating requirements and installation constraints must be checked.
Control systems, programming and hot water production also warrant careful consideration. Replacing a convector heater with a newer electric radiator can improve comfort, though it does not guarantee a significant improvement in the energy performance rating. No single change to the equipment can universally promise an improvement of two energy performance classes.
Windows and ventilation: make sure you minimise heat loss!
Consider high-performance double glazing, suitable window frames, night-time insulation and a ventilation system consistent with the insulation project. Triple glazing may be justified depending on the building’s orientation and technical constraints.
In a block of flats, decisions on replacing windows or installing a ventilation system cannot always be made independently: check the regulations, the communal areas, the external appearance and the necessary permissions.
What energy-efficient renovation grants are available for holiday lettings in the mountains?
For a second home let on a weekly basis, Energy Efficiency Certificates (CEEs) are a key option. The ‘MaPrimeRénov’ scheme for individual properties is reserved for dwellings used as a main residence. The ‘MaPrimeRénov’ for co-ownership properties may be available to mixed-use co-ownership blocks, but requires a minimum proportion of main residences: buildings used primarily for tourism are therefore often excluded. Local and regional grants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. [10, 11]
| Financial assistance | Second homes / holiday lettings | Amount or conditions in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| MaPrimeRénov’ for individual properties | Not available for a property retained as a second home or seasonal accommodation | No funding available in this situation |
| MaPrimeRénov’ for co-owned properties | Available via an eligible co-ownership scheme | 30 per cent for an energy saving of at least 35 per cent; 45 per cent for a saving of at least 50 per cent; expenditure capped at €25,000 per property, i.e. a base amount of €7,500 or €11,250 before any top-ups |
| CEE | Yes, depending on the works and conditions | Variable grant depending on the project, the area and the offer; property generally completed more than two years ago; approval must be obtained before work commences |
| Individual or co-ownership Eco-PTZ | Not available to finance a property that remains a second home or holiday home | Up to €50,000 for certain eligible schemes for a main residence; this limit cannot be used for your second home |
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: support for tourist accommodation | Depending on the category of establishment and project; no automatic entitlement for a stand-alone flat | Support and ceiling determined by the scheme’s regulations; prior approval required from the Region |
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region: tourism development support | Subject to the eligibility of the project leader and the project | Opportunity or feasibility studies; details to be confirmed with the Region |
| Municipal, inter-municipal or departmental grants | Depending on the area and intended use | No standard amount; check with France Rénov’ and local authorities |
Sources: Anah 2026 guide, Service Public and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme. [12–14]
For MaPrimeRénov’ Copropriété, the threshold is 75 per cent of the units or, failing that, of the shares allocated to the main residence, reduced to 65 per cent for co-ownership blocks with twenty dwellings or fewer. The property registration must be up to date and project management assistance is compulsory. A vote in favour of the works is therefore not sufficient to make a tourist property eligible. [12]
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, check which scheme corresponds exactly to your project before planning to apply for a grant. It would be misleading to claim that automatic regional funding of between €1,000 and €5,000 is available for every second home.
Before signing any quotes, have the conditions for the grants and whether they can be combined checked. The property manager and a France Rénov’ adviser can help you draw up the financing plan.
The impact of the Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) on the profitability and tax implications of short-let accommodation
Improving insulation and temperature control can reduce running costs – which are often borne by the owner – and enhance guests’ comfort. However, the effect on profitability depends on the cost of the works, energy consumption, occupancy rates and the financing arrangements.
There is no verified data to suggest that a flat rated D is systematically rented out at a 15–20 per cent higher rate than a flat rated F. Location, capacity, the condition of the property and its amenities remain key factors.
For the 2026 tax return relating to 2025 income, the tax authorities specify a 50 per cent micro-BIC allowance for classified holiday lettings and 30 per cent for unclassified ones, with respective ceilings of €77,700 and €15,000. The star rating for tourist accommodation is distinct from the energy performance certificate (DPE) rating. [14]
Under the micro-BIC scheme, actual expenses are not deducted separately from the allowance. Under the actual income scheme, certain expenses may be deducted and certain improvements must be capitalised and depreciated: the treatment depends on their nature. Consulting your accountant will enable you to compare the options.
For a holiday apartment, start preparing three key steps now: update your energy performance certificate, identify necessary renovation works and check the available financing. The Saulire agency can assist you in planning your rental or sale project in Méribel and Courchevel La Tania.
Sources and reference points
- National Assembly — ministerial response to question no. 5598.
- FNAIM — study on ski resorts, 18 December 2025.
- Ministry — changes to the electricity coefficient and certificates.
- Ministry — energy performance certificates and methodological guidelines.
- DGE — API for furnished properties and timetable for the national online service.
- Act No. 2024-1039 of 19 November 2024 — Articles 1 and 4.
- Le Meur Act — Article 3: energy thresholds and penalties.
- ADEME — ‘Insulating your home’ guide, heat loss benchmarks for an uninsulated house. The benchmarks depend on the building; the updated ADEME page presents a different breakdown for houses built before 1974.
- Technical data sheets: ISOVER GR32, ROCKWOOL Rockmur, SOPREMA polyurethane, Biofib wadding.
- Anah — 2026 guide to financial assistance.
- Public Service — Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE).
- Public Service — eco-PTZ for co-owned properties.
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourism — regional grants, updated 18 March 2026.
- Tax — tax regime for holiday lettings, 2026 tax return.
