Tenant Repairs: Responsibilities in France

As a tenant in France, it is essential to understand which repairs and maintenance tasks are your responsibility. This article plainly explains tenant repairs, the distinction between tenant and landlord work, the evidence to keep, and the steps to take in case of a dispute. You will also find guidance on deadlines, the inventory of fixtures, and possible remedies, including the departmental conciliation commission and the judicial court. References to the law and official pages will help you act with confidence and protect your rights without unnecessary legal jargon.

Who must carry out tenant repairs?

The law generally distinguishes routine maintenance repairs that are the tenant's responsibility and major works that are the landlord's responsibility. For general rules and obligations, refer to the Mermaz law text and official guidance.^[1]

• Replacing bulbs, seals, trims and small routine repairs.
• Routine maintenance of provided appliances (water heater, boiler if stated in the lease).
• Minor leaks, faucet sealing and joint replacement due to wear.
• Restoring items damaged by the tenant or their visitors.

What does the landlord cover?

The landlord covers major works affecting structure, solidity, compliance or safety of the dwelling, as well as major repairs to equipment essential to the habitability of the accommodation. For examples and details, consult the official notice on tenant repairs.^[2]

How to document a problem or damage?

Evidence is often decisive in disputes. Best practices to build a solid file are:

• Photograph and film the issue as soon as you discover it, indicating the date if possible.
• Keep quotes, invoices and written exchanges with the landlord or the tradesperson.
• Keep the inventory of fixtures on entry and exit to compare normal wear and damages.

If there is a disagreement

First contact the landlord in writing (preferably by registered letter) and request compliance or coverage. If the dispute continues, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission and then, as a last resort, to the judicial court.^[3]

FAQ

Which repairs are exactly the tenant's responsibility?

Small routine maintenance repairs such as replacing bulbs, seals, and restoring elements damaged by the occupant. Major works remain the landlord's responsibility.^[1]

Can I deduct repair costs from the security deposit?

The landlord may deduct repair costs justified by damages attributable to the tenant at the exit inventory, but proofs and quotes/invoices are necessary to legitimize the deduction.

What to do if the landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs?

Follow up in writing, refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission, then to the judicial court if necessary. Keep all proof of exchanges and written requests.

How-To

1. Check the inventory of fixtures and gather evidence (photos, invoices).
2. Send a written request to the landlord (registered letter) detailing the repairs requested.
3. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission if the dispute is not resolved amicably.
4. As a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court with your complete file.

Key takeaways

• Keep evidence, photos and invoices for every intervention.
• Respect deadlines and reply quickly to registered letters.
• Consult official pages for templates and up-to-date information.

Help and Support

• Loi n° 89-462 (Legifrance)
• Tenant repairs (Service-public)
• Departmental conciliation commission (Service-public)

1. [1] Legifrance - Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public - Tenant repairs
3. [3] Service-public - Departmental conciliation commission