Before a move, it is important to be well organised, and to allow a little time for each stage, including the inventory of fixtures on the way out. It is therefore necessary to plan the move a few days in advance in order to devote time to this step. Furthermore, it is preferable to use the same form as at the entrance, in order to allow a comparison between the same points. If necessary, use an annex document with the same form (free templates are available on the web).
On this document, the condition of the accommodation and all the facilities that were there at the time of the entry inventory and their condition are listed. On leaving, the landlord (or his representative) will assess the same points, giving the tenant a right of reply, and in the event of a dispute, do not hesitate to use the photos taken during the entry inventory of fixtures, if there were any of course.
What should you do before leaving your old accommodation for good?
- Fill up any holes you may have created.
- Clean the walls against traces of grease and dirt in general. It is preferable to freshen up the paint wherever possible.
- Don't forget to clean the windows, cupboards if there are any, and the floor.
- Repair anything you have broken or damaged, such as taps, locks, doors, or equipment if there is any.
However, you should not overdo it, as the aim of this step is to return the property to the condition it was in when you received it.
What to do in the event of a dispute?
It is strongly recommended that an initial inventory of fixtures be drawn up, even if the accommodation was in perfect condition when you received it. The law cannot intervene in the event of a dispute, unless evidence such as photographs is provided, for example, but the procedure is lengthy.
In the event of a dispute, you should avoid signing the lease, as this would be a sign of your assent. Instead, you should write down all your comments on the lease, while calling in a bailiff, who will be responsible for assessing the condition of the dwelling based on the information available to him. Despite the bailiff's intervention, it is possible that the inventory of fixtures when you leave is still unfavourable to you, in which case it is preferable to pay the amount due. As a general rule, if it is you who calls on the bailiff, the service costs are shared between you and the owner, otherwise if it is the owner who calls on the bailiff, he alone will pay the costs.
Returning the security deposit
The deposit paid at the beginning must be returned in full to the Tenant within one month of the handing over of the keys and may be returned up to two months if the Tenant has made repairs. However, the tenant must pay all his or her rental charges before the security deposit can be recovered. If necessary, and in the event of late rent, possible repairs or additional charges, the amount of the deposit will be reduced.
Moving into your new home
At the same time, and if you move into another dwelling as a tenant, you will also have to pass the entrance inventory of fixtures, respecting these points :
- Require the entry inventory of fixtures from the landlord. A dwelling occupied without this document implies that it was in perfect condition when it was received by the tenant.
- Take photos and record videos in all the rooms of the dwelling, and even in the balconies, terrace, garden, patio and garage.
- If the electricity is cut off at the time of the inventory of fixtures at the entrance, a lamp powerful enough not to miss any details must be provided.
- Check the electricity, heating and any water or gas leaks, among other things.
- Describe everything in detail on the entry form, using clear and precise terms, leaving no room for interpretation.
- Keep a copy of the form.
Following all of the above will save you extra costs due to poor preparation and will save you money. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
