The tenant cannot be held responsible for the normal aging of the apartment with time. It is normal that the furniture leave marks in the carpet as time goes by, that the wall painting looks darker where pictures were hung. These signs caused by the wearing effect of time are classified as « reasonable deterioration » resulting from ordinary and everyday use of the apartment.

A dilapidation reference grid can be helpful for a more precise evaluation during the outgoing inventory of fixtures. The lessor can refer to his or her invoices of home improvement works and miscellaneous purchases to determine the age of the carpet and the painting, and thus see if the wear-and-tear is normal.

Conversely, the tenant is responsable for dilapidations such as holes in the carpet, marks of stiletto heels on the parquet floor, a chip in the enamel sink, and/or a defect in the flexible shower hose. This is also the case for interior fitting-out work such as a ceiling painted in black or an interior wall taken down. Generally, the tenant has no right to modify the apartment unless he or she has the lessor's autorization. Should the case arise, the tenant is liable to reconditioning the apartment.

Useful information:

In some cases, the tenant gets the lessor's authorization to make interior works without having to recondition. Nevertheless, as a precaution, you should always demand written agreements.

Examples of dilapidation grids

OPAC Montpellier
Paris Habitat - OPH
Habitation Moderne - Strasbourg

Annual dilapidation rates, for reference only

Electrical appliances    20%
Hi-fi    20%
I.T.    30%
Pieces of furnitures     10%
Wall paper, interior paint    18%
Pieces of furnitures      18%
Wall-to-wall carpet      18%     
Parquet floor and tiling     4%
Plastic surfacing     11%
Interior millwork     6%
Metal work    11%
Plumbing fixtures    9%
Plombing     9%
Sanitary installations     6%
Water-heater     12%
Boiler     7%
PVC, wood shutters PVC bois     8%
Metal shutters     5%
Roller shutters     8%
Electric heaters     12%
Cast iron heaters     6%
Components for heating control (burners)     11%