Tenant Rights in France: seals and taps maintenance
As a tenant in France, you may wonder who is responsible for maintaining seals and taps in your home. This article explains, in plain language, which repairs are the tenant's responsibility and which fall to the landlord, based on French regulations and official sources. You will find steps to report a problem, keep evidence, the timelines to respect and the possible remedies if repairs are not carried out. Practical advice will also help you avoid disputes and prepare a formal request. The goal is to give you concrete answers to act quickly and protect your rights.
Who must repair seals and taps?
In general, the tenant covers small routine maintenance (replacing a worn seal, tightening a tap), while the landlord bears responsibility for major repairs or those related to the safety and habitability of the dwelling. This distinction is based on French law and case law that clarify the respective obligations of the parties.[1]
Practical steps to report and have repairs done
Here are the steps to follow to report a defect in seals or taps and prompt repairs without escalating the conflict.
- Send a written request to the landlord, preferably by registered letter.
- Keep photos, videos and dates to prove the condition and the date the problem appeared.
- Allow reasonable time for access to a tradesperson or to respond to reminders.
- Contact local help or an association for free advice.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) and then to the judicial court as a last resort.
When the landlord is responsible
The landlord is generally required to ensure the dwelling's decency and the necessary repairs to maintain equipment listed in the lease. If the leak or defect makes the dwelling unfit for use or dangerous, responsibility usually falls on the lessor.[1]
What to do if nothing progresses?
If the landlord does not respond or refuses, send a written reminder, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission described by public services, and if necessary, to the judicial court. The CDC can help reach an amicable agreement before a legal procedure.[2]
FAQ
- Does the tenant have to repair a leaking seal?
- The tenant covers small routine repairs. If the leak affects safety or habitability, repair is usually the landlord's responsibility.
- How to prove a tap problem?
- Take photos or videos of the defect, keep written exchanges with the landlord, retain invoices and attach the inventory of fixtures if useful.
- What remedies if the landlord does not repair?
- Send a written reminder, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, then the judicial court as a last resort.
How to
- Check the lease and the inventory of fixtures to identify responsibility.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request a repair, ideally by registered letter.
- Keep evidence: photos, invoices and written exchanges.
- Allow a reasonable time for the repair before taking further steps.
- Refer the matter to the CDC, then the judicial court if necessary.
Key takeaways
- Tenants handle small routine repairs.
- Work ensuring habitability is often the landlord's responsibility.
- Document everything to support a claim or mediation.
