French wildfire prevention rules

From 1 January 2025 onwards, if you are selling your French property, you are obliged to inform the buyer of their responsibility for maintaining bushes and wild grass around the house, provided that the property is located next to land classified as a fire risk.

While you are the owner of the property, if you fail to comply with your legal duty to clear the undergrowth, the mayor may impose a penalty of up to €100 per day until a maximum of €5,000 has been reached. 

The municipality may also impose an administrative fine of up to €30 per square metre of uncut vegetation. In addition, you risk a criminal fine of up to €1,500.

If your failure to clear the brush causes a fire that destroys the property of others, you may be sentenced to up to one year's imprisonment and a fine of up to €15,000.

If you are unable to maintain the land yourself, it is important to seek help.