Holes in Walls at Lease End - Tenant France

What does the law say?

In France, residential rental law is governed by Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989 and the Civil Code; the tenant must return the property in a condition consistent with the contract and the inventory of fixtures, and security deposit deductions can only cover repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear^[1].

Tenant obligations at lease end

Before handing over the keys and the exit inventory, the tenant must: repair or fill damages they caused, clean the property and present a condition close to the entry inventory, except for normal wear and tear. Documenting the condition with photos makes it easier to dispute deductions.

• Fill holes resulting from heavy fixings or installations not provided for in the lease.
• Touch up damaged paint if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear.
• Clean and restore installations damaged by the tenant.
• Keep all evidence (invoices, photos) to justify the property's condition.

Inventory of fixtures: a key role

The entry and exit inventories are used to compare the property's condition. If holes noted at exit were not present at entry, the landlord may propose deductions from the security deposit for justified repairs. In case of disagreement, the burden of proof is essential: keep documents and photos.

Disputes and procedures

If you dispute a deposit deduction, start by sending a registered letter to the landlord requesting supporting documents (estimates, invoices). If the response is unsatisfactory, mediation via the departmental conciliation commission is possible, then referral to the judicial court if necessary^[2].

FAQ

Must I fill all holes before leaving?

Not automatically: small holes left by picture hooks are often considered normal wear and tear, but large or numerous holes may be considered damage.

Can the landlord deduct the security deposit for a few holes?

Yes if repairs exceed normal wear and tear and the landlord provides supporting documents (estimates, invoices) at the exit inventory.

What should I do if I disagree with a deduction?

Request justification from the landlord, take the dispute to the departmental conciliation commission then, as a last resort, to the judicial court.

What evidence should I keep?

Dated photos, the entry inventory, repair invoices and written exchanges with the landlord.

How-To

1. Photograph and document the entire property, especially damaged areas, and keep originals.
2. Carry out small repairs or keep estimates if you hire professionals.
3. Conduct a contradictory exit inventory with the landlord and sign the document after checking each point.
4. To contest a deduction, write by registered mail to request justification and attempt conciliation.
5. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission and, if needed, the judicial court with your evidence.

Key takeaways

• Small picture-hook holes are usually tolerated as normal wear and tear.
• Always keep the entry inventory and dated photos.
• Request documentation for any security deposit deduction.

Help and resources

• [1] Service-public.fr - Inventories and security deposit
• [2] Legifrance - Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989
• [3] Service-public.fr - Departmental conciliation commission

1. [1] Legifrance - Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Inventories and security deposit
3. [3] Service-public.fr - Departmental conciliation commission