Tenant Repair Rights in France

What does the law say?

In France, Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 defines tenants' and landlords' obligations regarding rental repairs and maintenance. To know exactly which interventions are the tenant's responsibility and which fall to the landlord, refer to the official text^[1].

Repairs the tenant is responsible for

In practice, the tenant must handle routine maintenance and small repairs resulting from normal use of the dwelling. This notably includes:

• Minor repairs and routine maintenance (lubrication, small cracks, seals).
• Replacement of consumables such as bulbs, fuses or sealing joints.
• Maintenance of locks and keys.
• Cleaning and keeping provided equipment in good condition.

What to do in practice?

Report any problem quickly to the landlord or agency, preferably in writing (email, registered letter) describing the defect and attaching photos. If the repair clearly belongs to the landlord, request an intervention and keep records of communications. For small repairs you pay for, keep invoices to justify expenses at the move-out inspection^[2].

Procedures and remedies

If there is a dispute about who is responsible for the work, first try conciliation via the departmental conciliation commission or ask for advice on the steps to follow. If mediation fails, the judicial court can be seized to resolve the dispute^[3].

FAQ

Which repairs are the tenant responsible for?

Routine maintenance and small repairs caused by normal use of the dwelling, such as replacing bulbs or maintaining seals.

How to prove a repair was necessary?

Photograph the condition, keep estimates and invoices, and send written notice to the landlord.

What if the landlord refuses to act?

Contact the departmental conciliation commission then, if necessary, bring the matter before the judicial court.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: photos, dates, invoices and contracts.
2. Notify the landlord in writing describing the problem and attaching evidence.
3. If the repair is urgent, arrange an intervention and inform the landlord promptly.
4. If there is no response, contact the departmental conciliation commission.
5. As a last resort, prepare a file and bring the case to the judicial court.

Help and resources

• [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
• [2] Service-public.fr — Sample contracts and move-in/move-out reports
• [3] Service-public.fr — Bringing a matter before the judicial court

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Sample contracts and move-in/move-out reports
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Bringing a matter before the judicial court