Theft and breakages in your rental: what should you do?

Whether deliberate or accidental, damage and theft can easily happen in your rental. So how do you prevent it?

The contract

First and foremost, you need to draw up a rental agreement. It should set out the terms of your rental: the price and a description of the property along with an inventory. You can also state the maximum number of occupants, whether smoking is allowed and your policy on pets.

Should anything go wrong, this contract, signed by both you and the guest, gives you the means to act.

Remember, too, to carry out a check-in and check-out condition report, so that any problems such as theft come to light straight away.

The security deposit

The security deposit is essential, though not compulsory, in your contract. It is paid by the guest before they move in. The amount usually represents between 20 and 25% of the rental price and allows you to cover any damage.

This is where the condition report matters, because if you do not return the deposit in full, you will have to justify it. Bear in mind, too, that the guest is entitled to ask you for all the invoices relating to the repairs.

If the damage is unfortunately substantial and not fully covered by the security deposit, you must ask the guest to reimburse you. If they refuse, take the matter to the local civil court (tribunal d'instance) as quickly as possible.

To protect yourself from all this hassle, make sure you draw up a proper rental agreement. It will save you a great deal of trouble!