Starting in January, property owners in wildfire-prone areas must inform buyers and tenants about their legal obligations to clear brush. This rule strengthens fire prevention by raising awareness of safety measures.
Brush clearing – removing vegetation such as branches and leaves around properties, roads, and infrastructure – is a proven method to prevent the spread of wildfires, especially in the hot, dry summer months. Statistics reveal that 90% of homes destroyed during forest fires were located on properties with inadequate or non-existent brush clearance.
Under a new decree established by an Order in Council published on 2nd May in the Official Journal, provisions from a law enacted in July of 2023 which focuses on mitigating the escalating risks of brush fires are further enforced. This legislation refines the procedure for preparing fire risk reports and mandates that property sellers provide detailed information to potential buyers or rental tenants regarding statutory clearing obligations.
Sellers and landlords in areas subject to these obligations must disclose the information when the property is first advertised. The details must also be included in the risk and pollution statement.
ALERTED ON FIRST VISITS
For tenants, the brush-clearing obligation must be disclosed during the first property visit and be part of the lease agreement, whilst for buyers, this information must be provided during the initial visit and attached to the promise of sale, deed of sale, or preliminary contract in cases of properties under construction.
The rule applies to properties located within or up to 200 metres from forests, heathlands, or scrublands classified as fire-risk areas. Even if the property is not situated in a designated clearing zone, it is highly recommended to clear brush if your land borders wooded areas to minimize fire hazards.
For further guidance on obligations, contact the local city council or the prefecture, or alternatively, click here.
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