Tenant Repairs: Tenant Obligations in France

As a tenant in France, it is normal to wonder which repairs you must pay for and which are the landlord's responsibility. This guide clearly explains the difference between routine maintenance, small repairs and larger works, based on the law and practical steps. You will learn how to document a problem, who to contact, which deadlines to respect and what remedies exist if a landlord refuses to act. The tone is concrete and accessible: no legal jargon, just steps to protect your rights and keep your home safe and compliant. We also detail how to write a formal notice, when to contact the departmental conciliation commission and how to prepare a case for the court if necessary.

Which repairs are the tenant's responsibility?

The law frames the distribution of repairs between tenant and landlord. As a general rule, the tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and small repairs while the landlord is responsible for major repairs and the dwelling's compliance.^[1]

• Replacing light bulbs, fuses and seals.
• Minor plumbing repairs (simple unclogging, faucet seals).
• Routine maintenance of installations (cleaning, filter replacement if specified).
• Painting and small repairs related to normal wear and tear.

Inventory and evidence

The inventory (état des lieux) is a central document to decide who pays what at the end of the lease. Do it carefully, keep dated photos and ask for a signed copy when possible.^[2]

When is the landlord responsible?

The landlord must carry out repairs necessary to maintain the condition and compliance of the dwelling. Generally, major works affecting the structure, safety, central heating, main plumbing and electricity are the landlord's responsibility. If the dwelling poses a health or safety risk, the landlord must act quickly and the tenant may request measures or a rent reduction.

Practical steps

Recommended steps to report a problem and protect your rights:

1. Notify the landlord in writing (email or registered letter) describing the defect and attaching photos.
2. Gather evidence: dated photos, quotes, invoices and any witness statements.
3. Follow up in writing if you receive no response within a reasonable time and keep all exchanges.
4. Contact the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court if the dispute persists.

FAQ

What is a tenant repair?

A tenant repair generally refers to small repairs and routine maintenance that the tenant is responsible for, such as replacing bulbs or unclogging a sink.

What if the landlord refuses to carry out repairs?

Send a formal notice, contact the departmental conciliation commission if available, then the judicial court if necessary. Keep all evidence and correspondence.

Can I have repairs done and deduct the cost from rent?

Deducting amounts from the rent is only possible if there is a written agreement or a court decision; acting without agreement can lead to a dispute.

How-To

Steps to report a repair and follow up the case:

1. Inform the landlord in writing describing the problem and attaching photos.
2. Collect evidence and quotes to estimate cost and severity.
3. Follow up and request a clear intervention deadline.
4. Contact the departmental conciliation commission if discussion fails.
5. As a last resort, prepare a file for the judicial court with all evidence.

Key takeaways

• Tenants handle routine maintenance and small repairs.
• Major repairs and safety issues are the landlord's responsibility.
• Keep photos, quotes and written exchanges from the start.

Help and resources

• Inventory and lease information — Service-public
• Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance
• Departmental conciliation commission — Service-public

1. [1] Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance
2. [2] Inventory and lease information — Service-public
3. [3] Departmental conciliation commission — Service-public