In short
Since the 2018 ELAN law, landlords in France must provide decent housing 'free from any infestation by pests and parasites'. As a rule, treatment is therefore the landlord's responsibility, unless they can prove the infestation results from the tenant's lack of upkeep or negligence. Some disinsection and disinfection products are, however, on the list of recoverable service charges.
This is one of the questions we are asked most, especially about bed bugs. Here is what French law says, in plain terms. This is general information: for a dispute, your département's ADIL (housing information agency) gives free advice.
What the law says
Article 6 of the law of 6 July 1989, as amended by article 142 of the ELAN law of 23 November 2018, requires landlords to provide decent housing 'free from any infestation by pests and parasites'. A home that is infested when the tenant moves in therefore breaches this obligation.
During the tenancy, the landlord must also maintain the property and carry out repairs other than the tenant's minor ones. In a reply published in July 2019, the ministry in charge of housing stated that the landlord pays for bed bug treatment unless they prove the infestation is due to the tenant's lack of upkeep.
Recoverable charges
Decree no. 87-713 of 26 August 1987 lists the charges a landlord can recover from the tenant. Under 'Hygiene' it includes 'products relating to disinsection and disinfection', but not labour. Rodent control does not appear on the list.
What to do in practice
To stop things dragging on:
- Notify the landlord or letting agency in writing as soon as you see signs, with photos.
- Keep evidence: treatment report, messages, dates.
- In a co-owned building, if the infestation comes from common areas, the landlord must contact the property manager (syndic).
- If you disagree, contact the ADIL or the departmental conciliation commission.
Key points
- A rented home must be free of pests (ELAN law, 2018).
- Treatment is in principle paid for by the landlord.
- Exception: tenant negligence proven by the landlord.
- Disinsection and disinfection products can be recovered as charges, but not labour.
General information, correct at the date of publication; it does not replace personal legal or medical advice.