Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Reader Question: Our second home has a chimney but we never use it. We had it swept after buying the home but not since – are we still required to get a cleaning certificate each year?

Generally, chimneys need to be swept once a year – at least – by a professional sweep, who can provide a certificat de ramonage proving the work has been carried out. 

This can be used as proof both that you are complying with the law, and in the case of any insurance claim. 

It is advised to check local laws and your insurance policy however, as these may require the chimney to be swept more often than this (such as before its first, and after its last, use of the season). 

Read more: Chimney sweeping rules in France: Can you do this yourself - and how often is required by law?

However, the laws surrounding chimney sweeping state that “in the absence of use for a minimum period of 12 months [of the chimney], no maintenance is required during this period.” This is included in Article R1331-16 of the 2023 law change.

In your case, therefore you do not need to get a certificat de ramonage annually under the law. 

It is worth checking local by-laws and your insurance policy however, as these may still require even unused chimneys to be swept (not, however, if they are physically closed up).

Contact your local mairie to find the specific rules in your area and read your policy. 

Some insurers reportedly accept an attestation stating that the chimney is never used in lieu of sweeping, but again you should check with them.

Even if not required for any of the above reasons, sweeping the flue once per year – professionally or otherwise – can still be good to keep the chimney in good condition.

You should also note that if you wish to start using the chimney again, it will, by law, need to be swept prior to its first usage, and then be swept annually (at least) from then on. 

Read more: Is there a register of certified local chimney sweeps in France to use?