Is chimney sweeping mandatory when selling a property?
Chimney sweeping and property sales: what the vendor really needs to check
When preparing to sell a property, people think about having the price estimated, getting mandatory surveys done, or showing the home in its best light. But one question often comes up right at the very end of the process: is chimney sweeping compulsory when selling a property?
Not quite. Chimney sweeping is compulsory, but the sale of a property does not, on its own, trigger a new obligation for chimney sweeping. Let's therefore look at what the vendor actually needs to know and check.
Is chimney sweeping compulsory before a property sale?
A legal obligation reinforced since 2023
Since 1 October 2023, Decree No. 2023-641 of 20 July 2023 has regulated at national level the maintenance of combustion appliances and the periodic sweeping of their flues. This requirement exists independently of any property sale.
For an individual appliance, sweeping must be carried out at least every twelve months. Local regulations may require a higher frequency. For certain communal appliances, the minimum frequency is six months.
The objectives are clear:
reduce the risk of fire and poisoning; ;
keep the flue free of soot and deposits; ;
contribute to the smooth operation of the installation.
Who is responsible for having the chimney swept?
Owner-occupier
When he occupies the accommodation himself, the landlord must comply with the regulatory schedule for chimney sweeping. He is not required to have the chimney swept again specifically because he is selling his property if this has already been carried out within the applicable timeframes.
It is recommended to keep the latest chimney sweep certificate and to be able to pass it on to the buyer or the notary if they request it. It is not, however, a mandatory document in the sales technical diagnostic file.
Landlord
For a household or individual appliance, chimney sweeping is carried out at the initiative of the occupant, unless otherwise provided in the lease. Putting the property up for sale does not automatically transfer this obligation to the landlord.
In a co-ownership
For the individual installations, the obligation is at the initiative of the occupier, unless the lease provides otherwise. For collective installations, it is the responsibility of the landlord, the management company or, where an agreement so provides, the operator of the building.
The chimney sweeping certificate: proof of the last maintenance
Chimney sweeping must be carried out by a professionally qualified person. A attestation is issued after each intervention. It specifies in particular the flue or flues swept and certifies that they are clear along their entire length.
What are the risks of a poorly maintained flue?
A increased risk of fire or poisoning due to a blocked flue
One possible insurance claim denial in the event of an incident (fire, poisoning, etc.)
A potential price renegotiation if the buyer demands a recent service before signing
Things to remember
| Question | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| Is chimney sweeping compulsory before sale? | Not specifically. Chimney sweeping must comply with the regulatory schedule, regardless of the sale. |
| Is a certificate compulsory for selling? | No. It is compulsory after chimney sweeping, but it is not part of the mandatory documents in the property sale DDT. |
| Should it be kept? | Yes. The project owner must keep the certificate for a minimum of two years. |
| Who is responsible for having the chimney swept? | For an individual installation: the occupant, unless the lease states otherwise. For a collective installation: the landlord, management company or operator depending on the case. |
| How often? | At least every 12 months for individual flues; local requirements may be stricter. |
Are you looking for a serious chimney sweep in Samoëns?
We recommend a chimney sweep who travels in and around the Samoëns area. They are Mont-Blanc Chimney sweeping in Taninges. Remember to plan ahead for chimney sweeping, as appointments can be difficult to obtain during periods of high demand, particularly in autumn.
Chimney sweeping: the right move before selling
Before a sale, simply check that the sweeping of your fireplace or stove is up to date with regard to the applicable frequency. If you have the latest attestation, keep it: even though it is not part of the mandatory property sale surveys, it constitutes useful information to pass on to the purchaser.
