Broken Window: Tenant Rights in France
As a tenant in France, a broken window pane can raise practical and legal questions: who pays, what steps to take and how to gather evidence? This guide clearly explains your obligations and rights, distinguishing small tenant repairs you must cover and the larger works the landlord must handle. You will learn when to notify the landlord, how to keep photos and quotes, what deadlines to respect and what steps to take in case of disagreement. The goal is to give concrete steps to protect your home and avoid conflict, citing official sources and possible remedies.
What to do if a window pane is broken?
If a window pane is broken, start by securing the area to prevent injuries, collect evidence (photos, videos, witnesses) and notify the landlord as soon as possible[1]. If the break poses an immediate danger, have a professional perform a temporary repair and keep invoices and quotes.
- Notify the landlord in writing and request coverage or permission to repair.
- Document the damage with photos, videos and notes about date and circumstances.
- Request multiple quotes and keep them before any work begins.
- Keep invoices and proof of payment for possible reimbursement or deduction.
FAQ
- Who must pay to repair a broken window pane?
- Generally, the tenant covers small routine repairs; the landlord covers major works or structural defects[2].
- Can I arrange a repair immediately without the landlord's consent?
- For urgent safety repairs, you may arrange a temporary fix and must inform the landlord, keeping quotes and invoices.
- What if the landlord refuses to act?
- Send a formal notice, bring the case to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court if needed.
How to
- Document the damage with photos, videos and dated witness statements.
- Inform the landlord in writing and request intervention or authorization.
- Obtain quotes, choose a professional and keep all invoices.
- In case of dispute, contact the departmental conciliation commission and then the judicial court if necessary.
Key takeaways
- Document the damage immediately when it is noticed.
- Prefer written quotes before any repair work.
- Inform the landlord in writing to create a record.
Help and resources
- Repair obligations — Service-public.fr
- Inventory of fixtures — Service-public.fr
- Law n°89-462 and official texts — Legifrance
