The information below is only a rough guide and we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of professionals before making decisions or engaging yourself in a real-estate project.

The inventory is a document that describes in detail the premises and all of its contents and fittings, room by room. An inventory is taken at the beginning of the lease and at the end. The more detailed the inventory is, the less chance you will have of having problems with your landlord when you leave.

The inventory is generally carried out amicably and without any problems between the tenant and the owner, when the keys are handed over. This must be done in your presence.

The inventory may either be written simply on a  piece of paper, or in printed form. Estate agents have standard documents, but nothing prevents you from drafting your own list. It must, however, be signed and dated and made in 2 or 3 copies.

Upon entering the premises

Make sure that the state of the floor, walls and ceiling are noted for each room. 

Make note of any cracks, holes in the walls, sockets that are coming loose, stains on the carpets, etc…. 

Pay attention also to the plumbing in the kitchen, bathrooms and toilets. The slightest crack or stain on tiles must be indicated. 

Check the electrical wiring. 

If the kitchen has electrical appliances, check that they are in good working order.

Upon leaving the premises 

In principle, the tenant must repair any damage he is responsible for and return the property to the landlord in a good state. 

The inventory taken at the end of the lease enables both parties to determine whether or not the premises has been given back to the owner in the same state it was in at the beginning of the lease. 

The landlord can only ask the tenant to pay for repairs if the tenant is responsible for the damage. 

As a general rule, the landlord deducts the cost of repairs from the guarantee deposit and refunds the tenant the difference.