Does the tenant pay to replace a broken-down boiler?

No, if the breakdown comes from wear and tear or a fault in the appliance: that is on the landlord. The tenant only covers routine upkeep (e.g. the annual service) and damage they are responsible for.

What is vétusté (fair wear and tear)?

The normal wear of the home and its equipment linked to time and proper use. It falls on the landlord and can never be deducted from the security deposit.

Where is the list of rental repairs set out?

By decree. It lists the routine upkeep repairs the tenant must pay for; anything not listed and relating to wear and tear or major repairs falls on the landlord.

Rental repairs: who pays what, landlord or tenant?

Updated on July 12, 2026 · 6 min read

Who pays when something breaks in a rented home? The rule is clear: routine upkeep and minor repairs fall on the tenant, while major repairs and vétusté (fair wear and tear) fall on the landlord. A well-managed split prevents most end-of-tenancy disputes.

What falls on the tenant

The tenant handles the routine upkeep of the home and minor repairs, the list of which is set by decree. This covers in particular:

upkeep of fittings (seals, taps, replacing small parts);
keeping floors and walls clean and lightly maintained;
routine upkeep of the heating system and the VMC (mechanical ventilation);
replacing consumables (bulbs, seals, keys).

What falls on the landlord

The landlord covers major repairs, vétusté (fair wear and tear) and bringing the home up to standard: roof, walls, replacing equipment worn out by time (an end-of-life boiler, worn-out shutters), and anything relating to the structure or the decency of the home.

The question of fair wear and tear

Vétusté — the normal wear linked to time and proper use — is always the landlord’s responsibility, never the tenant’s. This is a key distinction at the move-out inventory: you cannot deduct normal wear from the security deposit.

Preventing disputes

A precise move-in inventory, dated photos and a wear-and-tear grid attached to the lease make it possible to settle matters without conflict. Documenting each repair (who did it, when, why) protects both parties in case of disagreement at move-out.

Frequently asked questions

Does the tenant pay to replace a broken-down boiler?: No, if the breakdown comes from wear and tear or a fault in the appliance: that is on the landlord. The tenant only covers routine upkeep (e.g. the annual service) and damage they are responsible for.
What is vétusté (fair wear and tear)?: The normal wear of the home and its equipment linked to time and proper use. It falls on the landlord and can never be deducted from the security deposit.
Where is the list of rental repairs set out?: By decree. It lists the routine upkeep repairs the tenant must pay for; anything not listed and relating to wear and tear or major repairs falls on the landlord.