Key Changes to Home Renovation Grants & RGE Certification
- Stricter Penalties for Grant Missteps
Applications that omit key details may now incur repayment of the grant plus a fine up to 50% of the grant amount.
In cases of deliberate fraud, fines can reach 100% of the grant’s value on top of full repayment.
- New Obligations Around RGE Certification
All firms must now provide clients with a paper document confirming:
Whether the firm holds RGE certification.
Details of the certifying agency.
If sub-contractors are used, clients must be informed—and told whether those sub-contractors are RGE-certified.
These changes aim to combat widespread frauds wherein non-certified firms claim RGE status, leaving clients to bear unexpected costs.
- New Grounds for RGE Revocation
RGE status may now be revoked in additional situations, including poor quality workmanship.
- Obligatory Website Linkage
Websites offering energy renovation services must now link to the government’s MaPrimeRénov’ platform.
- Tighter Grant Documentation Rules
A full estimate must be submitted for most energy renovation grants (e.g. MaPrimeRénov’, CEE bonuses).
It’s unclear whether submitting relevant RGE certification documents will now be mandatory along with the estimate.
- Timing of Reform Activation
These reforms took effect in September 2025, coinciding with the resumption of some MaPrimeRénov’ grant windows.
Broader Context of RGE & Renovation Grant Framework
What Is RGE Certification?
RGE (“Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement”) is a government-backed label for eco-renovation professionals.
Introduced in 2011, RGE is jointly overseen by ADEME and the French government, enabling clients to access energy-efficiency grants when working with qualified professionals.
The RGE qualification requires:
Mandatory training for technical managers.
Skills evaluation and a site audit within two years of certification.
Renewal every four years.
Grant Schemes & RGE Role
MaPrimeRénov’ (Path by Gesture and Major Renovation): To access these grants, work must be carried out by an RGE-certified contractor.
CEE (Certificats d’Économies d’Énergie): Eligibility requires RGE-certified craftsmen and adherence to pre-work application submission.
Other aid programs (e.g., MaPrimeRénov Sérénité, ANAH schemes like “Habiter Mieux Sérénité” or “Habiter Sain”) often necessitate RGE involvement and may cover up to 50% of costs.
Zero-interest eco-loan (PAR+): Available for eligible homeowners occupying their main residence—with a mortgage-backed arrangement—and typically restricted to lower-income categories.
Additional Energy Regulation Highlights
From 2025, France is banning rentals of properties with DPE rating G, tightening energy performance standards for landlords.
Transitional measures in place: until December 31, 2025, simpler “single-gesture” MaPrimeRénov’ applications remain valid; stricter requirements requiring major renovation apply from January 2026.
Rarity of RGE Professionals
Despite its importance, qualifying for RGE remains rare—only about 5% of eligible contractors hold the label.
Regional disparities are significant; for example:
Pays de la Loire: ~7.6% RGE,
Corsica: ~0.7% RGE,
Nationwide average for finding an RGE craftsman remains low.
