Practical Guide • Tenants & Landlords

Signs of Unsanitary Housing

Humidity, mold, pests, poor ventilation, and electrical or gas hazards — learn how to identify unsanitary housing, know your rights, the procedures, and the obligations landlords have to protect your health and daily life.

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Room with moldy walls, condensation and poor ventilation — signs of unsanitary housing

Definition & Criteria

An unsanitary dwelling is a home that poses serious health or safety risks to its occupants: structural humidity, damaged walls, lack of hot water, poor ventilation, pests, or unsafe electrical and gas systems. These criteria are assessed under French housing regulations and may lead to an official unsanitary order by the prefecture or city hall.

A property may be deemed “unfit” or non-decent. Failure to meet legal standards can justify tenant recourse and mandatory landlord repairs.

Distinctive Signs of Unsanitary Housing

1) Dampness, Condensation & Mold

  • Dark stains on walls and ceilings, musty odors.
  • Condensation on windows, blocked or defective ventilation.
  • Health impacts: allergies, asthma, respiratory irritation.

2) Safety & Electrical/Gas Hazards

  • Obsolete electrical panels, burnt outlets, or gas leaks — immediate dangers.
  • Missing handrails, unstable stairs, or non-compliant construction.

3) Pests & Hygiene Issues

  • Infestations (cockroaches, bedbugs, rodents), droppings or nests visible.
  • Poor drainage or stagnant water increasing contamination risk.

4) Lack of Ventilation & Facilities

  • Windowless rooms, no hot water, undersized living areas.
  • Missing or clogged ventilation ducts.

Tenant Rights & Landlord Obligations

Landlord Obligations

  • Provide a decent, safe, and sanitary home meeting French standards.
  • Carry out repairs (electricity, ventilation, sealing, pest treatment).
  • Ensure compliance and, when required, arrange temporary rehousing.

Tenant Rights & Remedies

  • Request repairs in writing; if ignored, contact the town hall or competent authority.
  • If declared unsanitary, rent can be suspended or reduced, and previous payments may be contested in court.
  • Social services or associations can assist with administrative steps and aid requests.

In disputes, the judge may order repairs, adjust rent, or enforce the landlord’s obligations under housing law.

Steps to Report Unsanitary Conditions

  1. Notify the landlord in writing (registered letter) with photos and reports.
  2. Declare the situation to the town hall (hygiene department). If serious, the prefect may issue an order.
  3. Repairs & compliance: ventilation, sealing, pest control, electricity, water.
  4. Failing that, take legal action: rent suspension, court order, or injunction for works.
Get Help & Free Assessment See: Unsanitary Housing Cleaning

FAQ — Unsanitary Housing

What are the signs of an unsanitary home?
Persistent humidity, mold on walls, poor ventilation, pests, unsafe electrical/gas systems, lack of hot water, or inadequate living space.
How do I report an unsanitary home?
Notify the landlord first in writing. If no action is taken, contact the town hall (public health service). The prefect may issue an official unsanitary order. Keep all documents and photos.
What can a tenant do if the landlord refuses repairs?
Request repairs, demand compliance, ask for rent reduction/suspension, or take the case to court. Temporary rehousing may be ordered if the property is unfit for habitation.
What are the landlord’s legal obligations?
To provide a decent, safe home, ensure necessary repairs (electricity, ventilation, sealing, pest control), and maintain compliance with housing standards.
Are there financial aids available?
Yes, depending on the case: local subsidies, social support, and renovation programs may be available. Contact your town hall for guidance.

Need Immediate Assistance?

Défi Clean provides discreet on-site inspections, coordinates repairs, and restores unsanitary homes (pest removal, ventilation, cleaning, and disinfection).

Request a Free Inspection See: Hoarding Cleanup

Essential Resources

Unsanitary homes and deep cleaning of extremely dirty apartments – Défi Clean – France Main Guide

Unsanitary Home Cleaning

Professional cleaning of unsanitary homes and deep cleaning of extremely dirty apartments.

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Difference between unsanitary housing and Diogenes/hoarding disorder – Défi Clean – France Understanding

Difference: Unsanitary Housing vs. Hoarding (Diogenes)

A complete comparison between both situations (symptoms, risks, and remediation).

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Apartment photo — Health and legal risks of an unsanitary home – Défi Clean – France ⚠️ Key Info

Health & Legal Risks of Unsanitary Housing

How unsanitary conditions affect health, safety, and property compliance.

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