Noise Assessment

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The Mandatory Real Estate Inspections ensure the transparency of transactions and the safety of occupants. Among these assessments, the noise assessment—although less well known—is particularly important in certain geographic areas. 

Real Estate Inspections: What Is a Noise Inspection?

With our real estate agency in Paris's 16th arrondissement, at our CENTURY 21 Auteuil Immobilier and Auteuil Seine offices, find out everything you need to know about this specific inspection.

What is noise diagnosis?

The noise assessment, also known as the Airborne Noise Impact Report (ENSA), is a document that informs prospective buyers or renters about a property’s exposure to noise pollution generated by airports. This assessment is part of a broader effort to protect public health and ensure a pleasant living environment.

Noise diagnosis is based on the Noise Exposure Plan (PEB) airfields, an official document that defines geographic areas exposed to different levels of noise. These areas are classified from A to D, where A represents the area with the highest exposure and D the area with the lowest exposure.

Good to know: According to theAirport Nuisance Control Authority (ACNUSA), aircraft noise can have significant health impacts, ranging from sleep disturbances to cardiovascular problems. The noise assessment is therefore intended to inform the public about these potential risks.

Is a noise assessment required?

Unlike some other real estate inspections, a noise assessment is not automatically required for all real estate transactions. Whether it is required depends on the property’s location relative to the zones defined in the airports’ Noise Exposure Map (PEB).

However, in the affected areas, this assessment becomes a mandatory part of the application for Technical Inspection Report (DDT) which must be provided when selling or renting a property.

When is a noise assessment necessary?

A noise assessment is required in the following situations:

  • The sale of a property located in an area defined by a Noise Exposure Map.
  • Renting a home in those same areas.
  • The construction of a new building in an area covered by an energy performance certificate (EPC).

Good to know: Even if your property is located near an airport, it is not necessarily subject to the noise assessment requirement. Only by consulting the PEB can you determine with certainty whether your property is subject to this requirement.

How do you conduct a noise assessment?

The process of conducting a noise assessment is based on an official document called the “Report on Aircraft Noise Nuisance.”

The official state form for aircraft noise complaints is available on the public service website or at your local city hall.

Before filling out the form, you must consult the PEB for the relevant airfield. This document is available at city hall, the prefecture, or on their respective websites.

Please note: The noise assessment must be included in the Property Information Document (DDT), which will be provided to the buyer or tenant.

Who is responsible for conducting the noise assessment?

Unlike other real estate inspections that require the services of a certified professional, the noise assessment can be conducted by the owner. In fact, this assessment essentially involves compiling information available in urban planning documents.

Nevertheless, to ensure that the inspection is conducted in accordance with regulations and to avoid any legal risks, many homeowners prefer to hire a professional inspector.

How long is a noise assessment valid?

The noise assessment does not have a specific validity period. Its validity is tied to that of the Noise Exposure Plan on which it is based. As long as the Noise Exposure Plan remains unchanged, the noise assessment remains valid.

What are the penalties for noncompliance?

Failure to comply with the requirement to provide a noise assessment may have significant legal consequences:

  • For the seller : The buyer may petition the court to rescind the sale or to reduce the purchase price.
  • For the landlord : The tenant may file a lawsuit to terminate the lease or seek a reduction in rent.
  • For the notary : A notary may also be held liable if a property inspection report is missing or if the notary is aware of false information that misleads the prospective buyer.

How can our CENTURY 21 Auteuil and Auteuil Seine offices assist you?

Our CENTURY 21 Auteuil and Auteuil Seine offices will guide you through every step of selling or renting your property, ensuring that all required property inspections—including the noise assessment—are conducted in accordance with regulations. 

We can quickly determine whether your property is subject to the noise assessment requirement, and if necessary, we’ll put you in touch with certified assessors to perform all required assessments, including the noise assessment.

Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about your real estate projects—whether you’re selling, buying, or managing rental properties. Please feel free to contact our two real estate agencies, CENTURY 21 Auteuil Immobilier and CENTURY 21 Auteuil Seine, by phone at 01 42 15 16 21 or 01 56 07 16 21, or by email: auteuil@century21.fr or auteuilseine@century21.fr

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