The departure of a tenant triggers a series of simultaneous actions for the landlord: notice to verify, inventory to organize, security deposit to return within a specific legal timeframe. Each poorly managed step can turn into a dispute or prolonged rental vacancy. This tenant departure checklist identifies the points where mistakes are most costly, supported by data.
Timeframe for the return of the security deposit: discrepancies that create disputes
The return of the security deposit is the item that generates the most conflicts between landlords and departing tenants. The legal deadlines are clear, but their application varies depending on the outcome of the exit inventory.
| Situation at departure | Legal timeframe for return | Required document |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory compliant (no reservations) | 1 month | Signed inventory, tenant’s bank details |
| Damage or reservations noted | 2 months | Inventory with reservations, quotes or invoices for repairs |
| Exceeding the deadline without return | Increase of 10% of the monthly rent for each month of delay | Recommended reminder letter |
Requesting the tenant’s bank details upon receiving the notice avoids administrative delays at the time of return. If the deadline is exceeded, the tenant can send a written reminder before initiating a procedure. For the landlord, keeping repair quotes allows for justifying a partial withholding without dispute.
Having a checklist for a tenant change upon departure helps structure each step, from the notice to the transfer of the balance.
Exit inventory: timestamped photos and room-by-room comparison
The exit inventory is the legal document that determines whether any deductions will be applied to the security deposit. Its quality directly depends on the method used on the day of the inspection.
Differentiating wear and tear from tenant damage
A wall yellowed by time falls under normal wear and tear. An unfilled hole from a wall anchor constitutes damage attributable to the tenant. Confusing wear and tear with damage undermines the entire inventory. The wear and tear scale, when attached to the lease, sets an acceptable wear rate per item (paint, flooring, equipment). Without this scale, the disagreement relies on the subjective assessment of both parties.
Taking timestamped photos as evidence
Photos taken during the exit inventory have enhanced evidential value when they are timestamped and geolocated. A photo without date or location loses its strength in case of dispute. Photographing each room from the same angle as during the entry allows for direct comparison.
- Photograph walls, floors, ceilings, woodwork, and equipment in each room, in natural light if possible
- Activate timestamping and geolocation on the phone before the visit
- Record water, gas, and electricity meters with a photo of the dial for each meter
- Check the operation of outlets, switches, faucets, and toilets during the walkthrough
Systematically comparing the entry inventory and the exit inventory, room by room, reduces subsequent disputes. Minor repairs (seals, bulbs, handles) should be reported to the tenant in advance so they can correct them before the appointment.
Notice and lease termination: deadlines and formalities not to be confused
The notice is the legal starting point for the entire procedure. Its duration depends on the type of rental and the tenant’s situation.
In unfurnished rentals, the standard notice is three months. It can be reduced to one month in several cases: tight area, job transfer, job loss, allocation of social housing, or health issues justifying a move. In furnished rentals, the notice is one month, regardless of the situation.
The termination letter must be sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. The notice period starts from the date of receipt by the landlord, not from the date of sending. A letter received on the 5th of the month starts the notice period on that date. The tenant remains liable for rent for the entire duration of the notice period, even if they leave the property earlier, unless a new tenant moves in with the landlord’s agreement.
Administrative steps after departure: vehicle registration and address change
Leaving a property triggers administrative obligations often overlooked, even by experienced tenants.
The vehicle registration must be updated within 30 days of moving. This declaration is made online on the ANTS website. Failure to update exposes one to penalties in case of a roadside check. The landlord is not directly concerned but can remind the departing tenant of this obligation to facilitate the transition.
The address change with public organizations (tax office, CAF, health insurance) can now be declared via a unified online service that transmits the information to several administrations simultaneously. On the private contract side, the cancellation or transfer of energy, internet, and home insurance subscriptions must be aligned with the key handover date, not the end of the notice period.
The landlord who anticipates the return of the deposit, prepares a documented inventory, and verifies the notice deadlines reduces rental vacancy between two tenants. The tenant who updates their vehicle registration, checks their meters, and photographs each room protects their security deposit. Both parties have an interest in treating the departure as a technical procedure, not just a formality.