Report immediately to the landlord:
- Water damage: leak, infiltration, significant condensation
- Structural issues: cracks, subsidence, rising damp
- Faulty installations: heating, electricity, plumbing
- Third-party damage: burglary, vandalism
- Wear and tear: normal degradation requiring landlord intervention
Important: even if you think the damage is your responsibility, report it. Not reporting can worsen your situation.
Our template generates a complete letter:
- Tenant and property identification
- Precise description of the observed damage
- Discovery date
- Location in the property (room, wall, floor…)
- Presumed cause (if known)
- Protective measures taken (e.g., water shut-off)
- Request for landlord intervention
- Proposed dates for a contradictory inspection
In addition to the letter:
- Photograph the damage from multiple angles
- Date the photos (most smartphones do this automatically)
- Film if necessary (active water damage, for example)
- Keep invoices for emergency interventions (plumber, electrician)
- Compare with the entry inventory if possible
This evidence is essential in case of a dispute over responsibility.
After sending the report:
| Situation | Your right |
|---|---|
| Landlord acts quickly | Problem resolved |
| Landlord doesn’t respond (15 days) | Follow up by registered mail |
| Emergency (safety risk) | Emergency intervention at your cost, reimbursement by landlord |
| Disagreement on responsibility | Conciliation at justice of the peace |
Keep a copy of all correspondence to build your file.