Role of the furniture inventory

The furniture inventory is a document that lists all the furniture and equipment provided by the landlord in a furnished letting. It is the essential annex to the furnished lease.

It serves three purposes:

  • Proving the contents: it establishes the exact list of what is made available to the tenant.
  • Fixing the initial condition: it describes the condition of each item at the time of moving in.
  • Protecting both parties: at the end of the lease, it serves as the reference for identifying damage, missing items or deterioration.

Without an inventory, the landlord has no evidence in the event of a dispute. The tenant, for their part, risks being held responsible for shortfalls or damage that pre-date their occupancy.

The inventory is separate from the property inspection of the dwelling, but the two documents are complementary and are often prepared at the same time.

Detailed contents of the inventory

The inventory must be exhaustive and organised room by room:

For each room, list:

  • Living room: sofa, armchairs, coffee table, TV unit, lighting, curtains, rug.
  • Bedroom: bed (size), mattress, bed base, wardrobe, bedside table, bedside lamp, bedding.
  • Kitchen: table, chairs, refrigerator, oven/microwave, hob, extractor hood, dishwasher, crockery and utensils.
  • Bathroom: mirror, vanity unit, towel rail, washing machine (if provided).
  • Hallway/entrance: hallway furniture, coat rack, mirror.

For each item, specify:

  • Description: type of furniture, colour, material.
  • Brand and model: for household appliances.
  • Condition: new, very good, good, used, to be monitored.
  • Quantity: number of units (4 chairs, 2 bedside tables).

The inventory must be signed by both parties and annexed to the lease. Each party keeps a copy.

Replacement value

Stating the value of each item is not a legal obligation, but it is good practice that facilitates the resolution of disputes:

Purchase price: the amount paid by the landlord, with the date of purchase if possible. Useful for calculating depreciation.

Replacement value: the current cost of replacing the item with a new equivalent. More relevant than the purchase price for older furniture.

Residual value: the value of the item after depreciation (normal wear and tear). A 5-year-old piece of furniture is not worth the same as a new one.

Calculation method in case of dispute:

  • Courts generally apply annual depreciation of 10 to 15% for standard furniture.
  • Household appliances depreciate more quickly (15 to 20% per year).
  • The tenant should never have to reimburse the replacement-as-new value of used furniture.

A summary table with the columns “Description / Condition / Purchase price / Date / Estimated value” simplifies tracking and any subsequent claims.

Role in disputes

At the end of the lease, the inventory serves as the reference for comparing the initial and final condition of the furniture:

Tenant damage: furniture damaged beyond normal wear and tear. The cost of repair or replacement (residual value, not replacement-as-new value) is deducted from the rental guarantee.

Missing items: furniture absent at exit that appeared in the inventory. The tenant must replace it or reimburse its residual value.

Normal wear and tear: natural deterioration from daily use is never the tenant’s liability. A mattress that sags after 3 years, slightly marked chairs: that is normal.

Without an inventory: the landlord cannot prove what was provided or its condition. Courts almost systematically reject compensation claims that are not supported by an inventory.

For a complete inventory integrated into your lease, use our online lease creator which automatically generates the inventory form adapted to furnished leases.