Decent housing

A rental accommodation must have a minimum surface area. The minimum area differs depending on whether the accommodation is rented or colocation.

The accommodation must comply with the following conditions:

• The accommodation provides closed and covered.
  The main work of the accommodation and its access is in good condition of maintenance and solidity and protects the premises against runoff and upwelling. The exterior carpentry and cover with its fittings and accessories provide protection against water infiltration into the dwelling.
• The accommodation is protected from air leakage.
  The doors and windows of the accommodation are sufficiently air-tight.
  The walls and walls of the accommodation facing the outside or unheated spaces are sufficiently air-tight.
  The openings of the rooms overlooking unheated outbuildings are equipped with doors or windows.
  The fireplaces are equipped with traps.
• Restraints for persons (window guards, staircases, loggias and balconies) located in the accommodation and in its accesses are in a state in accordance with their use.
• The nature, state of conservation and maintenance of building materials, pipes and linings in the dwelling do not present any obvious risks to the health and physical safety of the tenants.
• Electricity and gas networks and connections comply with safety standards and are in good working order.
• Heating and hot water production equipment complies with safety standards and is in good condition for use and operation.
• The accommodation allows sufficient ventilation.
  The opening and any ventilation devices in the accommodation are in good condition. In addition, they allow for the air to be renewed and the humidity to be evacuated, adapted to the needs of normal housing and the operation of the equipment.
• The main rooms (intended for sleeping or staying) have sufficient natural light and a window giving to the air, or a glass volume giving to the air.

Decent housing is housing that is not infested with pests (e.g.: rats) or by parasites (e.g. bed chips, cockroaches).

The accommodation shall include the following amenities and comforts:

• An installation enabling normal heating
  It shall be fitted with the power supply and exhaust of combustion products.
  It must be adapted to the housing characteristics.
• A drinking water supply
  It must allow distribution within the dwelling with sufficient pressure and flow for the normal use of its tenants.
• Evacuation facilities sewage
  These facilities must prevent the release of odours and effluents.
  They must have a syphon.
• A kitchen or a kitchen area enabling the installation of a cooking appliance and including a sink connected to a hot and cold water supply and an exhaust system sewage.
• An indoor sanitary facility
  It must include a toilet, separate from the kitchen and the room where meals are taken.
  There must be body washroom equipment, including a bath or shower, arranged to ensure personal privacy, supplied with hot and cold water and equipped with sewage disposal.
  However, in the case of single room accommodation, the sanitary facility may be limited to a WC outside the accommodation, provided that this WC is located in the same building and easily accessible.
• A power grid
  It must allow sufficient lighting of all rooms and access.
  It must allow the operation of the common household appliances essential for everyday life.

If the dwelling is not decent, the tenant must indicate in writing to the owner the signs of non-compliance of the dwelling with the criteria of decency.

If the court judge finds that the dwelling does not meet the standards of decency, he may:

• Force owner to do necessary work
• Impose rent reduction on tenant
• Impose damages to be paid to the tenant