Subsection 2: Characteristic features of residential premises

The following are by nature unfit for habitation and may not therefore be made available for habitation, whether free of charge or in return for payment, in application of article L. 1331-23 : 1° Cellars, regardless of any alterations or modifications made to them; 2° Basements, attics, rooms with insufficient ceiling height, living rooms with no opening to the outside, or rooms with insufficient natural light or a cramped layout,…

A basement may be made available for residential purposes if its characteristics do not constitute a health risk for the occupant and if it meets the following cumulative conditions: -it meets the requirements for ceiling height, openings to the outside, lighting and configuration set out in articles R. 1331-20 to R. 1331-23 respectively; -the openings to the outside do not expose the occupants to sources of pollution, in particular exhaust…

Attics may be made available for residential use if they meet the following cumulative conditions: -the solidity of the floor guarantees the safety of occupancy ; -they meet the requirements for ceiling height, openings to the outside, lighting and configuration set out in articles R. 1331-20 to R. 1331-23 respectively; -they are fitted out for residential use.

The dwelling’s living and utility rooms have sufficient and continuous ceiling height for the required surface area to enable them to be occupied without risk. A ceiling height of 2.20 metres or more is sufficient. Premises with ceiling heights of less than 2.20 metres are unfit for habitation unless they comply with the provisions of article 4 of the decree of 30 January 2002 relating to the characteristics of decent…

The living rooms of a premises are provided with an opening to the outside which gives onto the open air, if necessary via a glazed area which itself gives onto the open air, and have an opening section allowing sufficient natural ventilation. At least one of these rooms has a window or opening with a view to the outside corresponding at least to a prospect allowing sufficient natural lighting as…

The natural lighting provided in the living areas of a room is sufficient when the lighting in the centre of the room allows reading on a clear day without the use of artificial lighting.

The configuration of the living areas of a premises is considered not to be cramped when the following cumulative conditions are met: 1° One of these living areas has a surface area of at least nine square metres or a habitable volume of at least 20 cubic metres; 2° The other rooms have a surface area of at least seven square metres; 3° An occupant can move around safely and…