Landlord responsibilities for unfurnished properties

As a short summary, the landlord’s priority is to give the tenant a suitable place to live in good condition, in a good state of repair and with the equipment mentioned in the lease working properly.

Landlord and tenant may agree how to handle any shortcomings, and who should pay, but this should be written into the lease.

The tenant is responsible for minor repairs and routine maintenance.

The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and must do urgent repairs such as to the water heater in winter, renovations and repairs in common areas plus work on the general upkeep (fixing shutters or pipes), and work to improve energy efficiency.

Before work starts, the landlord must tell the tenant in writing and the tenant must allow reasonable access. Rent is cut for work taking more than 21 days.

The tenant must take out home contents insurance (assurance habitation) to cover their own effects and any damage they cause, while the landlord insures the building itself (except for flats, where this is generally done by the owners’ group).

Landlords should also cover recours des locataires for any problems caused to the tenant and troubles de jouissances if the tenant is forced to relocate due to a problem in the building.

Question answered by Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats

Tel: 05 61 57 90 86 - www.brightavocats.com contact@brightavocats.com

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