État des Lieux: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how this legal documentation protects your security deposit by recording the exact condition of your rental property.
An État des Lieux is a formal document that records the exact condition of a property at the start and end of a rental agreement.
Who it's for
This process is for all tenants who are renting a property.
What you get
You receive legal documentation that proves the physical state of the property when you move in and when you move out. This serves as a record to protect your security deposit.
What it costs you
There is no direct financial cost to perform this process, but it does require the time you spend walking through the property and inspecting every room.
The catch to know
You must be extremely detailed during the inspection. If you fail to note a specific scratch, stain, or break in the document, you may be held financially responsible for it when you move out.
How to apply
- Schedule an inspection with your landlord or agent before you move in.
- Walk through every room and note every detail, including the condition of walls, floors, and appliances.
- Ensure both parties sign the completed document to make it official.
- Perform a second inspection when you move out to compare the current state to the original record.