Generate compliant move-in and move-out inspections (état des lieux). Room-by-room verification, photos, digital signatures. Included in the Rental Pack.
No. Both the landlord (or their representative) and the tenant must be present and sign the document. If either party refuses, the other can request a bailiff (huissier de justice) to perform the inspection, with costs shared equally between the parties.
Send the landlord a formal letter (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) requesting an état des lieux. If they still refuse, you can hire a bailiff. Without a move-in inspection, Article 1731 of the Code Civil presumes the tenant received the property in good condition — making it harder to contest deposit deductions later.
The tenant has 10 days after the move-out inspection to request modifications by lettre recommandée. After that, the document is considered final. If there is a dispute about deposit deductions, the tenant can take the matter to the Commission Départementale de Conciliation or the tribunal.
Yes. Photos, videos, and other visual evidence can support the written état des lieux. While not legally required by Décret 2016-382, they are strongly recommended and courts accept them as supporting evidence in deposit disputes.
When a bailiff is called because one party refuses to attend or the parties cannot agree, the cost is shared equally between landlord and tenant (Article 3-2 of the loi du 6 juillet 1989). Typical cost: €150–€300 depending on property size and location.
Yes. Since the loi ALUR (2014), digital états des lieux are legally equivalent to paper versions as long as they include all mandatory information defined by Décret 2016-382 and are signed by both parties. Electronic signatures (including simple electronic signatures) are accepted.