The French hazards statement (ERP): content, zones, validity

In which zones is the hazards statement compulsory?

The seller or landlord must provide it if the property lies in one of the eight areas listed in article R125-23 of the Environment Code, in force since 1 January 2025 (service-public.gouv.fr, verified on 28 September 2026):

1. the exposure perimeter of an approved plan de prévention des risques technologiques (PPRT, technological risk prevention plan);
2. a zone of a plan de prévention des risques naturels prévisibles (PPRNP, foreseeable natural risk prevention plan) that is approved or some of whose provisions are immediately enforceable;
3. a zone of a plan de prévention des risques miniers (PPRM, mining risk prevention plan) under the same conditions;
4. a perimeter under study for a PPRT, PPRNP or PPRM that has been ordered (prescrit);
5. a seismic zone of level 2 (low), 3 (moderate), 4 (medium) or 5 (high);
6. a zone with significant radon potential, level 3;
7. a zone exposed to coastal erosion, delimited by a PLU (local development plan), a carte communale (municipal map) or a provisional map;
8. a zone subject to brush-clearing obligations.

All properties are covered, buildings and land alike, whether buildable or not. The ANIL (national housing information agency) states that you can find out at the town hall or on the prefecture website, and that the Géorisques website lists the risks in each municipality.

What does the hazards statement contain?

The content is set by article R125-24 of the Environment Code. It always states:

• the date it was drawn up;
• the number of the plot or plots (parcelles);
• the zones or perimeters in which the property lies.

Depending on the situation, it also includes:

• for each prevention plan, a map extract locating the property, the extract of the regulations and an indication of the works required and whether they have been carried out;
• the seismic risk information sheet (zones 2 to 5);
• the radon information sheet (level 3 zone);
• for coastal erosion, the time horizon of exposure, the applicable requirements and, where relevant, the provisional nature of the zoning;
• the list of arrêtés de catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster orders) that gave rise to compensation for the property;
• the sheet on brush-clearing obligations.

On a sale following a natural disaster linked to drought and soil rehydration (subsidence), a seller who holds the insurer’s expert report must attach the list of works not carried out that would stop the damage, even if they have already been compensated (service-public.gouv.fr).

Who fills it in, and how long is it valid?

The hazards statement is filled in directly by the owner using the official online service. Another format is accepted provided it contains all the information required by article R125-24 and is up to date (service-public.gouv.fr). The ANIL specifies that the landlord can get help from a property professional.

It must have been drawn up less than 6 months before (article R125-25). It must be updated if its information is no longer accurate on the date the lease, the promesse (preliminary sale contract) or the deed of sale is signed.

When to hand it over: from advertisement to signing

On a sale, if the hazards statement is not handed over by the time the promesse or preliminary contract is signed at the latest, the cooling-off period (délai de rétractation) only starts from the day after it is provided. Without a preliminary contract, it is the reflection period (délai de réflexion) that is postponed in the same way (service-public.gouv.fr).

Penalties

The seller or landlord may be held liable if they do not provide the hazards statement, or if the advertisement contains inaccurate information that misleads the buyer or tenant. The latter can bring the matter before the tribunal judiciaire (civil court) where the property is located to ask for (service-public.gouv.fr; article L125-5):

• annulment of the sale or lease, possibly with damages;
• a reduction in the price or the rent, possibly with damages.

The hazards statement forms part of the dossier de diagnostic technique (technical survey file): see the full list in our guide to diagnostics obligatoires (mandatory surveys).

Which professional to consult

The advertisements that the agent immobilier (estate agent) publishes for a property concerned must carry the Géorisques statement, and the ANIL indicates that the landlord can get help from a property professional to fill in the hazards statement. The notaire (notary) can check that it is attached to the preliminary contract and dated less than 6 months before. The diagnostiqueur (property surveyor) carries out the other surveys in the technical survey file.