Tenant disturbance: malfunctioning fridge leads tenant to seek new appliance replacement by landlord.
A malfunctioning refrigerator in a rented dwelling can leave a landlord with questions over who should shoulder the repair costs. The answer lies in French law, particularly decrees from 1987 and 2015 concerning rental repairs.
In the "Le grand rendez-vous de l'immobilier" show (our website/Radio Immo), Fabien, a landlord, posed such a question. His tenant's request to replace the fridge in his furnished two-bedroom apartment left him wondering if he or the tenant should foot the bill. However, it's essential to delve deeper into the matter to determine whether the appliance's breakdown was due to wear and tear or a lack of maintenance by the tenant.
According to Jeremy Sourice, a real estate mandatary at IAD, the tenant is responsible for minor repairs and regular maintenance of appliances like refrigerators. Conversely, the landlord is obligated to replace furniture in a furnished rental due to wear and tear. To establish who pays for a new refrigerator, it's crucial to ascertain whether the breakdown stemmed from regular wear and tear or tenant neglect.
Regarding appliances, guideline suggests that they should be replaced every ten years or so. Given that the fridge in Fabien's rental may be newer, Jeremy Sourice advises him to replace it proactively to maintain a satisfied tenant and avoid potential vacancy periods, which are unpleasant for landlords.
Landlords and renters alike seeking legal, tax, or practical advice should consult the "Club des proprios" Facebook group, a platform managed by the article's publisher. With approximately 14,000 members, the group offers an opportunity to share experiences and receive answers from experts, who will also address questions in future installments of the "Grand rendez-vous de l'immobilier”.
In the process of deciding who should pay for a new refrigerator in Fabien's rented apartment, it's essential to determine if the breakdown was due to regular wear and tear or tenant neglect, given that the tenant is responsible for minor repairs and regular maintenance of appliances like refrigerators. Maintaining a well-maintained home and garden, including appliances, is crucial for landlords to retain satisfied tenants and prevent potential vacancy periods.
