Maintenance of Seals and Taps for Tenants France

As a tenant in France, you are often responsible for routine maintenance of the dwelling, including seals and taps. Knowing how to detect a leak, replace a seal or request the landlord's intervention limits damage and disputes. This guide explains step by step your obligations, simple actions you can perform without technical skills, and when to request a formal repair. You will also find advice on documenting problems, keeping evidence and using official procedures if necessary. References to the regulations and administrative procedures applicable in France are provided to help you act with safety and clarity.

Routine maintenance

A few regular actions prevent most small leaks and extend the life of plumbing elements:

• Visually check around sinks and basins for seepage or corrosion.
• Replace a worn seal on a tap with basic tools and a matching seal.
• Clean aerators and tap filters to maintain flow and avoid deposits.
• Do not force taps: loosen rather than pull to avoid damaging the cartridge.
• Shut off the water supply before any intervention to prevent flooding.

Your obligations and rental repairs

As a tenant, you are responsible for routine maintenance and small repairs called "rental repairs"; major repairs or those due to normal wear are the landlord's responsibility^[1][2]. Notify the lessor as soon as you notice a serious problem so they can plan a professional intervention.

• Notify the landlord in writing describing the problem and attaching photos.
• Keep evidence (photos, messages, invoices) in case of dispute.
• Pay for small rental repairs provided by law, unless the repair is covered by the landlord's guarantee.
• If the dwelling becomes uninhabitable, request an urgent intervention from the landlord or use official channels.

FAQ

Who pays to replace a seal?

The tenant generally pays for small rental repairs such as replacing a seal; the landlord covers structural repairs or those due to wear. [2]

What to do in case of a major leak?

Turn off the water supply if possible, notify the landlord immediately in writing, document the damage and request urgent intervention. [1]

Do I need an estimate for a repair?

For significant repairs, always request an estimate and keep it; this facilitates recourse to the landlord or procedures if necessary. [2]

How-To

1. Locate the source of the leak and shut off the water at the stopcock.
2. Carefully dismantle the tap to access the seal or cartridge.
3. Replace the worn seal with an identical model and reassemble ensuring watertightness.
4. Test the tap and verify there is no longer a leak.
5. If the leak persists, contact the landlord with photos and a possible estimate.

Key takeaways

• Always document issues with photos and dates.
• Fix small leaks yourself if you can to avoid higher costs.
• Inform the landlord promptly to protect your rights.

Help and Support

• Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
• Service-public: rental repairs and maintenance
• Service-public: inventory and lease model

1. [1] Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
2. [2] Rental repairs - Service-public
3. [3] Inventory and lease model - Service-public