The exit inventory of fixtures is a crucial step when you leave your student accommodation. This article will help you understand what an exit inventory of fixtures is, how it differs from an entry inventory of fixtures, and how to prepare for this step to facilitate the return of your rental deposit.
What is an exit inventory of fixtures?
The “état des lieux de sortie” is an official document describing the state of your student accommodation when you leave. It is drawn up in the presence of the outgoing tenant and the owner or his/her representative. This document is compared with the “état des lieux d'entrée”, drawn up when you moved in, to assess any damage or deterioration.
Unlike the “état des lieux d'entrée”, which is carried out when you take possession of the student accommodation and serves as a reference for assessing the initial state of the property (and any existing imperfections), the “état des lieux de sortie” is used to check whether any additional damage has been caused during your stay. By comparing the 2 inventories, you can determine whether repairs are necessary, and whether any sums should be deducted from your rental deposit to cover these costs.
How to prepare for your departure inventory?
Clean your apartment thoroughly
Before you check out, it's essential to leave your student apartment clean and in good condition. The first step is to clean the floors, walls and ceilings, making sure there are no stains, marks or dirt. Dust and clean furniture, and wash windows and mirrors to leave no trace on glass surfaces. Finally, clean the kitchen and bathroom, degreasing hobs and cleaning ovens, fridges, sanitaryware, showers and bathtubs.
Repair minor damage
To avoid unpleasant surprises when you check out, we recommend that you repair any minor damage you may have caused:
- Fill holes: Use putty to fill holes in walls, such as those caused by nails or plugs.
- Replace faulty bulbs: Check all bulbs and replace any that no longer work.
- Repair small cracks and scratches: Use paint or plaster to conceal small cracks and scratches on walls.
Check equipment and furniture
If your student accommodation is furnished or equipped, check that all equipment works properly and that furniture is in good condition. Test appliances to ensure that all the equipment supplied with the accommodation (fridge, microwave or oven, for example) is in working order. Also check furniture for damage. If you find a problem, you have 2 options: you can try to repair it, or report it to the Maintenance Manager.
What happens during a move-in inspection at FAC-HABITAT?
At FAC-HABITAT, we organize the tenant's departure as soon as we receive their notice of departure. We schedule an advisory visit (maximum one week after the start of the notice period), and then set up an appointment for the exit inventory of fixtures on the last day of the notice period (corresponding to the end date of the lease). The advisory visit enables us to guide the tenant in restoring the property to its original condition, if necessary, so as to avoid invoicing as far as possible. At the end of the lease, the tenant's inventory of fixtures and fittings is recorded on the tablet. New: some FAC-HABITAT residences have opened up the possibility of giving notice directly online, replacing the need to send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
For your information, the deadline for reimbursing the security deposit is set by law, and begins on the day the lease ends (1 month if the outgoing inventory of fixtures matches the incoming inventory of fixtures, and 2 months if the tenant is responsible for any damage).
