Inventory and Security Deposit for Tenants in France
As a tenant in France, the check-in and check-out inventory and the handling of the security deposit often determine whether you recover all or part of the deposit. This guide clearly explains your rights and obligations: how to prepare an accurate inventory, which documents to provide, the deadlines the landlord must respect to return the deposit, and how to contest deductions you consider unfair. You will find practical advice to document the condition of the accommodation (photos, reports), to keep proof of payments and to engage in mediation or bring the matter before the court if necessary. The aim is to give concrete, understandable steps to avoid costly disputes and protect your deposit.
Before the inventory
To prepare well for the inventory, reread your lease and note everything that seems important. Bring your proofs (photos, statements, receipts) and propose a joint appointment with the landlord.
- Take dated photos of each room and any defects.
- Keep proof of the security deposit and payments.
- Note normal wear and tear to distinguish it from damage.
Always keep dated photos of the property.
Role of the inventory and the deposit
The inventory describes the condition of the accommodation and serves as a reference at departure; an official template and explanations are available online.[1] The security deposit is held when signing the lease and its return follows legal deadlines: generally one month if no damage is found, otherwise up to two months if justified deductions apply.[2]
Respond to correspondence within the stated deadlines to preserve your rights.
If the landlord plans a deduction, they must justify it with estimates or invoices; keep all evidence and favor conciliation (Departmental Conciliation Commission) before any judicial action.
FAQ
- What does an inventory contain?
- A room-by-room description of the condition, meter readings and a list of equipment, signed by the tenant and the landlord.
- What is the deadline to obtain the return of the security deposit?
- The legal deadline is one month if the check-out inventory shows no damage, otherwise up to two months; any deduction must be justified.
- What to do in case of an unfair deduction?
- Contact the landlord, propose conciliation via the Departmental Conciliation Commission, then bring the matter before the judicial court if necessary.
How to
- Prepare a file: dated photos, previous inventories and receipts.
- Carry out a joint inventory at move-in and move-out, demanding a signed copy.
- If you contest a deduction, send a registered letter with proof and request conciliation.
- Take the case to the judicial court as a last resort, attaching all evidence (photos, estimates, exchanges).
Key takeaways
- Keep dated photos and a complete file.
- Respect legal deadlines for returns and written responses.
- Favor conciliation before initiating legal proceedings.
Help and support
- [1] Service-public - Inventory and template
- [2] Service-public - Security deposit
- [3] Legifrance - Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
