MaPrimeRénov', the French government's grant scheme for home energy renovations, has tightened its eligibility rules this year so that only homes at least 15 years old can qualify, according to insurance comparison site LeLynx. Previously, a property needed to be just two years old to be eligible for the aid.
The new age threshold does have an exception. A household can still qualify even if its home is under 15 years old, provided the grant is used to install new heating equipment or a new hot water system to replace an old fuel oil tank.
The condition homeowners could miss
LeLynx said the exception came with a strict condition: the application to remove the fuel oil tank has to be submitted at the same time as the application for the new equipment. According to the comparison site, homeowners cannot request the grant for the new equipment and then apply separately to have the tank removed.
LeLynx said the two applications are linked for homes under 15 years old, meaning a file that splits them into two separate requests would be rejected.
What is MaPrimeRénov'?
MaPrimeRénov' is a French state grant designed to help homeowners pay for energy-efficiency work, including insulation, heating upgrades and boiler replacement. It has become the main financial support scheme for households looking to cut their heating costs and reduce the environmental impact of ageing home equipment such as fuel oil boilers.
How much can homeowners receive?
For the removal of a fuel oil tank alongside the installation of new equipment, the amount MaPrimeRénov' pays out depends on household income. A very modest-income household can receive 1,200 euros if its application is accepted. Modest-income households receive 800 euros, while those classed in the intermediate income bracket receive 400 euros.
Households with higher incomes are not eligible for MaPrimeRénov' at all, LeLynx noted, meaning there is no point in them submitting a file for this aid.
