What is a maintenance logbook?
A home maintenance logbook (or property log) is the centralized register of all work, inspections and servicing carried out on a property. It records:
- Installed equipment (boiler, ventilation, fireplace, heat pump…)
- Past interventions (dates, contractors, invoices)
- Upcoming deadlines (annual service, chimney sweeping, emptying)
- Maintenance-related expenses
Unlike a vehicle service book - mandatory and standardized - a housing logbook is not required by law in a single format. Still, it has become a major selling point and proof of diligence in case of a claim or dispute.
Why it is essential for a homeowner
Prevent costly breakdowns
An unserviced boiler uses 10 to 12% more energy (source: ADEME). A missed chimney sweep can lead to a chimney fire - and a refused insurance payout.
Meet regulatory obligations
In France, several services are mandatory:
| Equipment | Frequency | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Gas/oil boiler | Annual | Decree no. 2009-649 |
| Chimney sweeping | 1 to 2×/year | Insurance, Construction Code |
| Ventilation (VMC) | Annual (heat recovery) | Thermal regulations |
| Septic tank | Every 3-4 years | Order of 7 Sept. 2009 |
Increase value at resale
Buyers and notaries increasingly ask for a documented maintenance history. A complete file can speed up the sale and support the asking price.
Paper logbook vs digital logbook
| Criterion | Paper | Digital (Domuss) |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic reminders | No | Yes, 14 and 3 days before |
| Pre-calculated schedule | No | Yes, rolling 24 months |
| Search in history | No | Instant |
| Shareable PDF export | No | Home file |
| Risk of loss | High | None (cloud + offline) |
| Accessibility | One place | Smartphone, anywhere |
A paper logbook still works for occasional small jobs, but it does not scale: you cannot find the plumber’s 2019 invoice, nor know when the next chimney sweep is due.
What a good logbook should contain
Here is the minimum checklist for a complete maintenance logbook:
- Property sheet - address, year of construction, floor area, type (house/apartment)
- Equipment inventory - brand, model, installation date, serial number
- Maintenance schedule - deadlines per equipment with status (to do / done / overdue)
- Intervention history - date, type, contractor, amount, attached documents
- Expense tracking - annual budget, breakdown by category
- Regulatory documents - boiler service certificates, chimney-sweep certificates
How to digitize your logbook with Domuss
Domuss automates this entire process:
- Creation wizard - set up your home in 3 minutes
- Equipment selection - 134 referenced types (boiler, ventilation, pool…)
- Auto schedule - the engine calculates deadlines over 24 months
- Push reminders - no more forgotten tasks
- Home file PDF - full export for resale or insurance
The free version allows 1 home with unlimited equipment and full history - enough to get started. Download Domuss for free.
Article updated on 4 July 2026. Domuss is published by Programini, France.