Tenant: who pays for seals and taps in France?
As a tenant in France, it is natural to ask who must pay for the maintenance of seals and taps in the dwelling. The law distinguishes routine repairs borne by the tenant and more significant works borne by the landlord. This article clearly explains your obligations, what counts as simple maintenance (descaling, replacing seals) and what requires the landlord's intervention. You will also find the procedures to follow, timelines, evidence to keep and possible remedies if the landlord refuses to act. References to official texts and useful services in France are provided to guide you step by step.
Who must pay?
The main distinction comes from the list of tenant repairs: small repairs and routine maintenance are generally the tenant's responsibility, while major repairs related to the dwelling's solidity or compliance fall to the landlord [1]. In practice, replacing a worn seal or cleaning an aerator is often considered routine maintenance, but a significant leak due to a defective pipe is the landlord's responsibility.
Common examples
- Replacement of a faucet seal due to normal wear.
- Regular maintenance: descaling showerheads and aerators.
- Evidence to keep: photos, invoices and estimates in case of dispute.
What to do if the landlord refuses to act?
Start by notifying the landlord in writing (registered letter or email with acknowledgment of receipt) describing the problem and requesting intervention within a reasonable time. Keep all evidence: exchanges, photos, invoices for temporary repairs. If the landlord does not respond or refuses, the departmental conciliation commission can be seized, then the judicial court if necessary [2].
Work and billing
If you have urgent repairs carried out to limit damage, keep invoices and estimates. You can request reimbursement if the expense was necessary and the landlord failed to fulfill their maintenance obligation. In some cases, the landlord may contest the amount: keep all supporting documents for conciliation or court proceedings.
FAQ
- Does the tenant always have to change a leaking seal?
- Generally, replacing a worn seal is part of routine maintenance for the tenant, unless the leak results from a construction defect or abnormal wear that is the landlord's responsibility.
- What to do if the tap causes flooding?
- In case of significant damage, contact the landlord immediately, take protective measures if necessary and keep all evidence and invoices. If the landlord refuses to intervene, seize the conciliation commission or the court.
- Can the landlord deduct the cost of a repair from the security deposit?
- The security deposit is intended to cover damage beyond normal wear; routine maintenance repairs should not be charged to the tenant from the deposit if they are due to normal wear and tear.
How-To
- Check the lease and the inventory of fixtures (document).
- Notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline (notice).
- Collect evidence: photos, messages and invoices (evidence).
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission if needed and note deadlines (deadline).
Key takeaways
- Routine small repairs are often the tenant's responsibility.
- Keep all evidence to support your case in conciliation or court.
