Broken Window: Tenant Rights in France

As a tenant in France, knowing who pays and how to act when a window breaks prevents disputes and unexpected costs. This article explains your rights, possible responsibilities of the landlord or tenant, the steps to document and have the window repaired, and useful deadlines and evidence for appropriate coverage. You will find practical advice for emergencies, small repairs chargeable to the tenant, and repairs normally the landlord's responsibility, with references to official texts to understand the legal framework applicable in France.^[1]

What does window replacement cover?

Replacing a window can be a simple cosmetic repair or fix a habitability issue (loss of insulation, infiltration, safety). If the window endangers safety or health of the dwelling, the intervention is usually an urgent repair or a landlord's obligation under the law and applicable decree.^[1]

Who pays: tenant or landlord?

Payment allocation for a broken window depends on the reason: accident, vandalism, wear, or safety issue. Here are common cases and usual liabilities.

• If the break results from the tenant's negligence, the tenant pays the repair.
• If the break stems from a defect (faulty double glazing) the landlord must cover it.
• If there is an immediate safety risk (broken glass exposed), urgent intervention is recommended and may be advanced by the tenant then claimed back if justified.

Practical procedure for the tenant

1. Photograph the broken window and note date and time.
2. Inform the landlord or agency in writing (email or registered letter) describing the events.
3. If risk is immediate, have it repaired urgently and keep the invoice for possible reimbursement.
4. Request quotes if the landlord does not act and propose an amicable solution.

Specific cases and insurance

Check your home insurance: glass breakage coverage often handles replacement with or without a deductible. If insurance covers it, submit the claim and invoice to the insurer. If the break is caused by an identifiable third party, declare the incident and ask for coverage by the responsible person.

FAQ

Can the tenant repair without the landlord's agreement?

Yes in an emergency to preserve safety or habitability, but keep evidence and inform the landlord.

Can the landlord deduct the cost from the security deposit?

If the break is due to tenant-caused damage, the amount may be withheld from the security deposit with supporting documents.

Should a vandalism report be filed?

For vandalism, report to the police or gendarmerie and keep the report for the insurer.

How-To

1. Gather evidence (photos, emails, invoices).
2. Contact landlord and insurer with documentation.
3. Proceed with emergency repair if needed and keep the invoice.
4. Negotiate reimbursement providing estimates and invoices.

Help and Support

• [1] Service-public.fr - Repairs and maintenance for tenants
• [2] Legifrance - Official texts (laws, decrees)
• [3] Service-public.fr - Inventory and rental contract

1. [1] Legifrance - Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Repairs and maintenance for tenants
3. [3] Service-public.fr - Inventory and rental contract