ERP and ENSA: aircraft noise expertise integrated into your property surveys

The Technical Survey File (DDT) is made up of many mandatory property surveys and, among them, the ENSA (Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance) is becoming essential for certain homes.

Integrating the ENSA into your Technical Survey File (DDT)

The property sector is constantly evolving: regulations change and can become stricter, particularly regarding the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). The aim is above all to protect property transactions and ensure transparency for future tenants or buyers.

The Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance (ENSA) is a survey that complements the other assessments (EPC, lead survey, asbestos survey, etc.) and is made mandatory in certain areas. Let’s look (or take another look) at what the ENSA is and its link with the ERP (risks and pollution statement).

A quick reminder about the risks and pollution statement

The risks and pollution statement, or ERP, is a document that lists all the risks to which a property may be exposed. Depending on the home’s location, the risks vary, but bear in mind that the ERP is mandatory for any property transaction, whether a sale or a letting.

What risks are recorded in the ERP?

• Natural risks (flooding, landslides, earthquakes, etc.),
• Mining risks linked to former operations,
• Technological and industrial risks (industrial and nuclear accidents, dam failures, etc.),
• Radon risk (a naturally occurring radioactive gas),
• Soil pollution,
• Risks linked to coastline retreat,

This survey allows future buyers of the home to know precisely the environment in which the property is located and the potential hazards that could affect it.

Tenants are also concerned and can access this assessment, which is based on prefectural orders and risk prevention plans drawn up by the authorities.

An essential but complex survey, and often forgotten

Although the ERP is mandatory, many owners forget it and focus more on surveys such as the EPC, for example. (Feel free to read our article on the subject: ERP, the survey you’re bound to forget before your sale)

With a validity period of 6 months (which is very short!), it is essential to ensure these assessments are compliant when selling the property!

And at RITMODiag, we now offer to include the ENSA when carrying out an ERP for your property.

Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance: what is the ENSA?

The Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance is a property survey that analyses the presence of airports and aerodromes near a home and can thereby assess exposure to aircraft noise nuisance.

It is an assessment that became mandatory on 1^st June 2020 and thus complements the ERP within your DDT (Technical Survey File).

Its purpose is to inform future buyers or tenants of a level of noise nuisance to which they could be exposed, and to do so it relies on the PEB: the Noise Exposure Plan.

The PEB is an official planning document drawn up by the prefecture that maps out areas according to the level of noise exposure. The purpose of this document is also to limit, or even prohibit, the development of buildings and the settling of the population in areas heavily affected by noise nuisance.

Aircraft noise, a major issue in property

There is nothing surprising about this: aircraft noise is a major issue in any property transaction because it directly affects quality of life!

The noise nuisance caused by air traffic can have real repercussions on people’s well-being and, in the property sector, aircraft noise directly influences the value of certain properties.

The Noise Exposure Plan then defines 4 zones according to noise intensity:

• Zone A: Very high noise exposure,
• Zone B: High noise exposure,
• Zone C: Moderate noise exposure,
• Zone D: Low noise exposure.

With air traffic set to grow in the coming years, the PEB takes potential infrastructure expansions into account in order to reflect reality as closely as possible.

What does the ENSA report contain and why is it mandatory?

Mandatory information for transparency

The Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance (ENSA) survey contains essential information such as:

• Identification and description of the property: house, flat, plot of land, etc.,
• The property’s position in relation to the PEB (Noise Exposure Plan): indication of the zone (A, B, C or D) in which the home is located and the infrastructure concerned,
• The applicable requirements: which sound insulation standards must be met, or any planning restrictions if applicable,
• The date of issue and validity: like the ERP, the ENSA has a validity period of 6 months.

With this information in hand, buyers and future tenants can make an informed decision about the property, and the owner completes a fully compliant transaction!

No more mistakes: an experienced technician to carry out the ENSA

Owners have the option of completing the ENSA (Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance) form themselves online. While this is an option, it is not the one we would recommend…

The risks of error are numerous and the consequences can quickly become significant. A non-compliant survey means the risk of a cancelled transaction, or the possibility of facing damages.

Choose to entrust this property survey to a certified and experienced technician! During the visit to carry out an ERP, RITMODiag’s professionals can offer to draw up the ENSA (Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance) at the same time.

This gives you the guarantee that the applicable regulations are met, with a compliant and reliable report.

Frequently asked questions about the ENSA: RITMODiag answers them for you

Does every property need an ENSA?

No, not all properties are concerned. The ENSA (Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance) is only mandatory for homes located in an area defined by the PEB.

Can the ENSA (Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance) be challenged?

The ENSA can be challenged, particularly in the event of an error within the form. This is why it is best to call on experienced surveyors.

An incorrect ENSA survey can lead to the sale being cancelled or the home’s sale price being reduced.

Do I need to redo the ENSA regularly?

Yes! As we mentioned in this article, the ENSA (Statement of Aircraft Noise Nuisance) is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

So, if your property is not sold or let within these 6 months, this property survey will need to be renewed.

Why is the ENSA’s validity period so short?

This short validity period is due to two reasons:

• The PEB (Noise Exposure Plan) can change and thus alter the mapping of the zones, depending on planning schemes for example,
• The ENSA form itself can evolve and be updated by the authorities to incorporate new obligations.

Protect your transaction and insist on RITMODiag’s expertise!

Get a complete and compliant DDT (Technical Survey File) today by calling on certified surveyors.

At RITMODiag, we make sure to offer you solutions tailored to your needs and to carry them out as quickly as possible. We know how important property surveys are within property transactions.

Sell or let with complete peace of mind!

Contact our advisers now to find out more about our services and arrange an appointment.