Tenant Guide: Preparing for Your Property Inspection

The check-in inspection: your best protection

The check-in inspection report is the most important document in your tenancy. It describes the condition of the property at the time you take possession of it. This is the document that will be used as a reference when you leave to determine whether any damage is attributable to you.

A check-in inspection that is too brief always works against you. If an item is not recorded as damaged at check-in, it will be considered to have been in good condition. If that item is damaged at check-out, the damage will automatically be attributed to you.

This is why it is essential to take the time to check everything and note it all down. Do not give in to pressure from the landlord or estate agent who may want to rush through this step. You are entitled to take as long as necessary.

What to check room by room

For each room in the property, methodically inspect the following elements:

• -Walls: stains, cracks, damp marks, plug holes, peeling wallpaper or flaking paint. Note the colour and type of surface.
• -Floors: scratches, stains, cracked tiles, damaged floorboards, worn carpeting. Look in corners and under furniture.
• -Ceilings: damp stains, cracks, flaking paint. Check around light fittings and in the corners.
• -Windows and doors: opening and closing, condition of handles, seals, glass panes, shutters or blinds. Test the locks.
• -Sanitary fittings: taps (flow, leaks), toilet flush, bath and shower seals, condition of tiles, drainage.
• -Electrics: test every socket and switch. Check that the consumer unit is compliant and the circuit breaker works.
• -Heating: condition of radiators, operation of the boiler or heating system. Note the energy type.

Essential readings not to forget

In addition to the physical condition of the property, certain readings are essential and often overlooked:

• -Meters: record the readings on all meters (cold water, hot water, electricity, gas). Photograph them. These readings will be used to apportion consumption between the outgoing and incoming tenant.
• -Keys: count and identify every key handed over (front door, letterbox, cellar, garage, gate, bin store). The exact number must appear in the report.
• -Smoke detectors: check their presence (mandatory) and that they work properly by pressing the test button.

Preparing for your check-out inspection

Check-out is the moment when your security deposit is at stake. Good preparation can make the difference between a full refund and deductions running into hundreds of euros.

Cleaning and repairs

Before the check-out inspection, take the time to restore the property to good condition:

• -Thorough cleaning: the property must be returned clean. Clean the windows, cooking appliances, extractor hood, bathroom and toilets. A dirty property can justify a deduction.
• -Filling holes: plug and screw holes must be filled with filler. Standard white filler is suitable in most cases. Sand lightly after drying.
• -Replacing bulbs: all light bulbs must work. Replace any that have blown.
• -Bathroom seals: if seals are blackened or mouldy, cleaning with bleach or white vinegar may be sufficient. If they are too damaged, consider replacing them.
• -Defrosting the fridge: if the property is furnished, defrost and clean the fridge and freezer. Leave the doors open.

Understanding wear and tear

Not all damage is attributable to the tenant. French law distinguishes between normal wear and tear and actual damage. Slightly worn flooring after 5 years of occupation is normal. A paint stain on the ceiling is not wear and tear. The ALUR Act provides for the application of a wear and tear schedule, which may be annexed to the tenancy agreement, and which sets the theoretical lifespan of each element of the property.

For example, paintwork has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. If you vacate the property after 8 years, the cost of repainting will fall mainly on the landlord. If you leave after 2 years and the walls are marked, the cost will fall mainly on you.

Your rights as a tenant

French law protects you. Here are the key rights to know:

• 1.Right to a copy: you must receive a copy of the inspection report, signed by both parties. If it is not provided, request it in writing.
• 2.Right to request amendments: you have 10 days after signing the check-in inspection to request changes by recorded delivery letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
• 3.Right regarding heating: during the first month of the heating season, you may request the addition of observations about the condition of the heating system.
• 4.Right to bring a representative: you may be accompanied by a person of your choice during the inspection (friend, family member, expert, tenant association).
• 5.Right to refuse to sign: if you disagree with the contents of the inspection report, you are not obliged to sign it. Request an inspection by an independent professional instead.

What to do in the event of a dispute?

If a dispute arises following the inspection, several courses of action are available:

• -Formal notice: send a recorded delivery letter to the landlord detailing your objections and attaching your evidence (photos, check-in inspection report).
• -Departmental conciliation commission: this free commission attempts to reach an amicable agreement between the parties. Contact the DDT (Departmental Directorate for Territories) in your department.
• -Civil court: as a last resort, you may refer the matter to the civil protection judge. For disputes below 5,000 €, the procedure is simplified and does not require a lawyer.

The best way to avoid a dispute remains a rigorous check-in inspection carried out by an independent professional. It is a modest investment that can save you months of proceedings and hundreds of euros in unjustified deductions.

Why use an independent expert?

An independent expert such as EDL 33 offers several decisive advantages for the tenant:

• -Impartiality: unlike an estate agent who represents the landlord, an independent expert is neutral. Their assessment is objective and credible.
• -Technical expertise: a professional spots defects you might miss (hidden damp, insulation problems, electrical faults).
• -Photographic documentation: hundreds of time-stamped photographs that constitute irrefutable evidence.
• -Legal weight: a report electronically signed (eIDAS) by an independent expert carries greater evidential value before a court.