Property Renovation

A subject that all of us undertaking renovation work come to know and love sooner or later is septic tanks, or ‘fosse septique’ as they are known in France. As someone who has paid for two at the same property, I recommend you budget for this in your initial calculations.

During the last few years the rules about septic tanks in France have been changing alarmingly frequently, and it has been the responsibility of the property owner to ensure compliance. From the end of 2005, in principle it is the local mairie who must ensure that properties comply, although indications are that some are more ready to act than others. The majority of old properties do not currently conform.

This compliance is to ensure that environmental standards are met.

All very interesting, but what does that mean for you the householder. It means that if you do not have a septic tank system that meets current standards and regulations, and most old properties do not, you will almost certainly need to get one sooner or later. More importantly, if you are getting a new septic tank sytem anyway, you should get one that complies with the regulations.
Read more