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Read a French move-in inventory: l'état des lieux

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

An état des lieux d'entrée records the condition of a rented flat room by room. Read one, spot what could cost you your deposit, and learn the key words.

In short

L'état des lieux d'entrée is the signed inventory of a flat's condition when you move in. At the end, l'état des lieux de sortie is compared with it; damage not noted at the start can be taken from your dépôt de garantie (deposit). Note everything: rayé (scratched), taché (stained), ne fonctionne pas.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

A tenant and agent inspect scratched parquet near an apartment window.
Record existing damage during l'état des lieux d’entrée. Illustration: Atelier

Agence Habitat Sud

État des lieux d'entrée · T2, 3e étage

Séjour

MursBon état

Sol (parquet)Rayures près de la fenêtre

FenêtresBon état, fonctionnent

Cuisine

Plaques de cuissonFonctionnent

FourSale, à nettoyer

ÉvierRobinet qui goutte

Salle de bains

DoucheJoints noircis (moisissure)

LavaboBon état

Compteurs et clés

ÉlectricitéIndex 18 204

Eau froideIndex 0412 m³

Clés remises3 clés + 1 badge

Fait en deux exemplaires le 1er septembre.

Signatures : le locataire / le bailleur

Question 1No account needed
What's wrong with the living-room floor?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

it's scratched near the window. Rayures près de la fenêtre.

Question 2No account needed
Which kitchen item has a problem with water?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

the tap. Robinet qui goutte: a dripping tap.

Question 3No account needed
Why note the dirty shower joints now?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

so the tenant isn't charged for them later. Anything not recorded at entry can be charged at exit.

Question 4No account needed
How many keys were handed over?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

3 keys and a badge. 3 clés + 1 badge. Check it in the text above.

Question 5No account needed
Who signs the document?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

the tenant and the landlord. Le locataire / le bailleur.

Words from the document

Vocabulary
FrenchEnglish
l'état des lieuxthe inventory / check-in report
le dépôt de garantiethe deposit
le locataire / le bailleurtenant / landlord
rayé / tachéscratched / stained
la moisissuremould
fait en deux exemplairesmade in two copies

French law gives tenants ten days after moving in to add defects they missed, and a month for heating problems discovered in winter. Take dated photos. If the exit inventory matches the entry one, the landlord must return the deposit within one month.

  • Le sol a des grattements.Le sol est rayé / présente des rayures.

    Scratches = rayures.

  • le propriétaire du contratle bailleur

    In a lease, the landlord is le bailleur.

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