Installing air conditioning: rights and procedures for tenants and owners

With summers getting hotter and hotter, installing air conditioning is becoming a priority for many. But the rules differ depending on whether you are a tenant or an owner, and whether you live in a house or in a co-ownership building. Let us review the situation.

You are a tenant

A portable air conditioner (a monobloc unit on wheels) requires no authorisation: it plugs into a socket and can be set up freely. A fixed air conditioning system with an outdoor unit, however, is considered a modification of the home. You must obtain the written consent of your landlord before any work.

Without this consent, the landlord may require the home to be restored to its original state when you leave.

You are the owner of a detached house

You are free to install air conditioning, but a few rules apply:

• A prior declaration of works at the town hall as soon as the outdoor unit changes the appearance of the façade.
• Respect for neighbourhood rules: the outdoor unit must not generate excessive noise nuisance for the neighbours.
• Distances and positioning to be observed according to local town-planning regulations.

You are in a co-ownership building

This is the most tightly regulated case. Fixing an outdoor unit to a façade, a balcony or a roof affects the common areas or the building's external appearance. You therefore generally need to obtain the authorisation of the general meeting of co-owners.

In every case: a qualified professional

Whatever your situation, installing a fixed air conditioning system involves handling a refrigerant, a task reserved for professionals holding the certificate of competence. This is a guarantee of compliance, safety and performance — and it is essential in order to comply with the F-Gas regulation.

A reputable installer also advises you on the correct sizing of the appliance and on its future maintenance.

Need support?

Proclimo helps you put together your application, choose a discreet and compliant location, and carries out an installation to the highest standards. Contact us for a tailored quote, or learn more about our approach.