When a key If the lock breaks , a door slams or an installation ages, the thorny question often arises as to who, between the tenant and the owner , is responsible for the costs related to a Locksmith intervention . Between routine maintenance and more extensive repairs, it's not always easy to clearly determine each party's obligations. Your locksmith in Paris 15 will explain everything you need to know about this.
Responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord
The terms of the rental agreement are essential for understanding who is responsible for the various locksmith-related costs. Generally, these responsibilities are defined by law, with some slight variations depending on the specific clauses of the contract.
Responsible tenant: what are the obligations?
The tenant often finds himself responsible for rental repairs . This generally involves small jobs like replacing door handles or greasing locks. In this sense, everything that falls under routine maintenance is usually his responsibility. If a key is lost or stolen , it is also up to the tenant to pay the costs incurred by changing the lock or making a duplicate if this allows the situation to be repaired.
In the event of accidental breakage, such as a key breaking in the lock or a forced lock due to forgetting the keys inside, the tenant must arrange and finance the intervention of a locksmith. It is important to keep these points in mind when looking for accommodation, as they can have an impact on the monthly budget.
When is the owner liable?
The landlord, for his part, is responsible for ensuring that basic equipment is working properly upon the tenant's entry. Therefore, any problem related to a old lock due to natural wear and tear will have to be taken care of by the owner. For example, an old lock that no longer works properly due to its age then requires care for work or a lock replacement.
The law also stipulates that if a major defect appears, such as a door that is completely blocked due to a hidden defect not mentioned in the inventory, the owner must bear the costs of restoring normal access to the property. In some cases, insurance may intervene to reduce the cost, but this depends largely on the terms of the lease or insurance contract.
How to distinguish routine maintenance from major repairs?
The distinction between what actually falls under routine maintenance and what falls under more substantial maintenance isn't always clear. To better understand who should manage what, it's helpful to understand the key differences between these two perspectives.
What is meant by routine maintenance?
Routine maintenance refers to the regular and simple tasks necessary to ensure the proper functioning of a house or apartment. Therefore, daily maintenance operations, such as lubricating door hinges and locks, fall into this category. The goal of this maintenance is to ensure the durability of infrastructure without requiring advanced technical skills.
To ensure the tenant has peace of mind in their approach, it may be relevant to discuss the precise limits of their commitment to these basic interventions with the landlord in advance.
Major Repairs: Symptoms and Solutions
On the other hand, the major repairs often involve increased time and cost. This concerns outdated installations that could compromise the security or accessibility of the home if not corrected promptly. An old lock that no longer guarantees effective locking is considered problematic and must therefore be systematically taken care of by the owner.
Understanding the signs that systems need special attention is crucial to avoid confusion. A good tip is to document any changes you observe with photos to support future discussions if necessary.
Weight of natural wear and tear vs. neglect
Another often debated aspect is the distinction between natural wear and tear of a housing component and a negligence attributable to the tenant . This delicate point crystallizes a good number of disputes in rental management matters.
Natural wear and tear: how to recognize it?
Natural wear and tear results from normal and prolonged use of the elements of the house. Over time, several factors such as exposure to humidity and the repetition of daily actions opening and closing entrances contribute to gradually reducing the efficiency of the installations. Any observations must be reported promptly to the landlord.
When deterioration is caused by normal expected use, such as a door that has been used regularly for many years, it is called normal wear and tear.
Identify negligence
In the rental context, negligence refers to avoidable actions that result in property damage. Failure to alert the public promptly after detecting an abnormal noise can lead to increased damage. Unnecessarily forcing a stuck bolt can also increase the risk of damage to the mechanism.
It is crucial for tenants to be proactive in their behavior to mitigate these potential risks. Adopting daily discipline effectively guards against ambiguities that can arise from behavior deemed inappropriate.
Recommended Preventive Changes
Implementing slight adjustments in the approach taken by stakeholders goes a long way towards avoiding costly disputes over locksmith fees .
For the tenant: preventive measures
Various methods have proven effective:
- Carefully analyze the devices upon arrival to get the most out of them.
- Regularly check the cleanliness of the locks to prevent the intrusion of dust.
- Arrange specialist maintenance visits if anomalies are suspected.
Obligations and initiatives of the owner
As for the owner, concerned about the sustainable maintenance of his real estate investments, a proactive approach is often beneficial:
- Meticulously comply with current safety standards.
- Conduct a detailed periodic assessment by qualified service providers.
- Ensure effective collaboration and communication with tenants to prevent and resolve any concerns.