The essentials
Both, each within their own area. The managing agent (syndic) has the common areas treated (cellars, ducts, bin stores, courtyards); each owner or occupant deals with their own flat. The departmental health regulations also require building owners to prevent rodents getting in and to act without delay once they are seen. Against cockroaches, which travel through service ducts, coordinated treatment of flats and common areas reduces re-infestation.
In a block of flats, a cockroach colony living near the hot-water risers moves from flat to flat through service ducts, and rats climb up from the cellars. Treating a single flat often just pushes the problem next door.
Common areas: the managing agent's job
Law no. 65-557 of 10 July 1965 (article 18) makes the syndic responsible for running the building and ensuring its preservation and upkeep; in an emergency, it may have the works needed to safeguard it carried out on its own initiative. Treating cellars, ducts, courtyards and bin stores falls under that duty.
The model departmental health regulations (article 119) require building owners to take steps to keep rodents out, to inspect cellars, courtyards and bin stores regularly, and to act without delay once rodents are found. Numbering can differ by département, so check the text that applies to yours.
Flats: owners and occupants
Inside each unit, treatment falls to the owner or the occupant, depending on the tenancy. The same model regulations (article 121) forbid occupants to store waste that attracts insects and rodents, or to obstruct building-wide insect control.
One plan for the whole building
The Repère Protocol scales up to a co-owned building:
- Locate: inspection of common areas and reported flats, monitoring traps, a map of harbourages.
- Treat: same-day work in the common areas and the affected flats, announced by notice.
- Check: follow-up visit and trap readings, adjustments if activity remains.
- Prevent: sealing gaps (ducts, cellar vents, traps under drains), a photo report for the owners' council and, if needed, a vigilance contract.
Remember
- Common areas: the syndic calls in treatment, including in emergencies.
- Flats: the owner or occupant.
- Rodents: health regulations require action without delay.
- Coordinated treatment reduces re-infestation between flats.
General information, valid at the date of publication; it is no substitute for advice from a lawyer or a health professional.