Our squalor cleaning services

Cleaning a property in a state of squalor

A home in a state of squalor presents significant biological hazards: accumulation of organic waste, presence of pests, mould and severely degraded floors and walls. Défi Clean takes charge of the complete cleaning of the property, floor to ceiling, using professional equipment adapted to sanitary risks.

• Sorting, emptying and removing accumulated objects and waste
• Thorough cleaning and disinfection of every room
• Complete odour elimination
• Restoration of degraded surfaces and fixtures

Pest control and disinfection

Properties in a state of squalor frequently harbour pests (cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents) and mould outbreaks. Our certified technicians carry out anti-pest treatment and biocidal disinfection, in compliance with DASRI protocols where necessary.

Clearance and selective waste sorting

Clearing a squalor property requires method and discretion. Our teams sort, preserve what can be kept and remove the rest in accordance with selective sorting and recycling regulations. Every intervention is carried out with the consent of the person or their family.

Family support and accompaniment

We are sensitive to the human difficulties associated with squalor situations. Our teams intervene with empathy and without judgement, to allow the person or their loved ones to regain a safe and healthy home. We can coordinate our intervention with social services when necessary.

Why choose Défi Clean for squalor cleaning?

• Recognised expertise: Défi Clean specialises in extreme cleaning, with numerous successful interventions in squalor situations and Diogenes syndrome cases.
• Complete discretion: our vehicles are unmarked and our teams work without drawing the attention of neighbours.
• Respect for the person: we support the family or loved ones with kindness and without judgement, taking into account the psychological distress associated with the situation.
• Fast response: we intervene 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm, as quickly as possible, including in emergencies.
• 50 % tax credit: as a registered personal-care services company, our services qualify for the French tax credit.
• Certibiocide certification: our biocidal interventions are carried out by certified technicians, in compliance with current regulations.

Our service area

Défi Clean operates throughout France for the cleaning of properties in a state of squalor. We cover the Île-de-France region (Paris and its inner and outer suburbs), as well as provincial France and overseas territories depending on the nature and urgency of the intervention. Rapid travel is possible within a 150 km radius of Paris. Contact us to check our availability in your area.

Tax credit and financial assistance

The cleaning of a squalor property, carried out within the framework of personal-care services, qualifies for the French tax credit equal to 50 % of eligible expenses. In practice, half the cost of the cleaning is deducted from your income tax — or reimbursed directly if you are not a taxpayer.

Additional assistance may be available through social services (CCAS, departmental council) or the co-ownership if the squalor affects common areas. Our team can guide you towards the right support for your situation. For more information, consult the official information on the tax credit for personal-care services.

Indicative pricing for squalor property cleaning

The price depends on the surface area, the level of degradation, the presence of pests and the accessibility of the property. We always provide a tailored quote after assessing the situation. As a guide:

• Cleaning a studio apartment with squalor generally starts from €500.
• Cleaning a 3-room apartment varies between €1,000 and €3,000 depending on the level of degradation.
• Pest treatment is charged additionally based on the type and extent of the infestation.

Before the 50 % tax credit, the actual out-of-pocket cost is halved for eligible individuals.

Frequently asked questions about squalor cleaning

What is a squalor situation?

Squalor refers to a state of severe neglect of the home and personal hygiene. A property in a state of squalor presents an accumulation of waste and objects, advanced degradation of the rooms, and represents a health risk for the person and their environment. Diogenes syndrome is the most severe form of domestic squalor.

What is the difference between squalor and insalubrity?

Insalubrity refers to any property presenting a health risk, whatever the cause. Squalor is a form of insalubrity linked to the person’s behaviour (self-neglect, accumulation). A property can be insalubrious without being in a state of squalor, but all squalor properties are insalubrious.

How do I report a squalor situation?

You can contact your local CCAS, the departmental social services or the person’s GP. For professional cleaning of the property, contact Défi Clean directly to obtain a quote and plan the intervention.

Is the cost of cleaning a squalor property covered financially?

Costs can be partially covered by the 50 % tax credit (personal-care services), social assistance (CCAS, department) or the co-ownership if the common areas are affected. Check with your departmental social services for the options available to you.

How long does a squalor cleaning intervention take?

The duration depends on the surface area and the level of degradation. A studio with moderate squalor can be treated in one day; a 3–4 room apartment in severe squalor generally requires 2–3 days of intervention.

Do you carry out emergency squalor cleaning?

Yes. Défi Clean offers emergency interventions, 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm. Contact us by phone or via our form for fast assistance.