Can a French tenant paint or drill the walls?
Painting, shelves, drilling: a French tenant may fit out the home freely, but a transformation needs the landlord's written consent. Where the line is, the move-out, an example.
Kivlo · Updated November 9, 2026 · Sources checked November 9, 2026 · 2 min read
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Yes to fitting out the home: repainting, shelves, hanging pictures, a new floor covering. No to transforming it without the landlord's written consent: removing a partition, moving the kitchen, altering an installation. The rule is article 7 f of the law of 6 July 1989, and the landlord may not oppose mere fitting-out (article 6 d).
Fitting out or transforming
The law gives no list. Service-Public says the tenant may decorate, change a floor covering or refresh the paint, and that a major transformation needs the owner's written consent.
| Works | As we read it |
|---|---|
| Repainting, even in another colour | Fitting out |
| Drilling for pictures, shelves, a curtain rail | Fitting out |
| Laying carpet or a click floor | Fitting out |
| Removing or building a partition | Transformation |
| Moving the kitchen or bathroom | Transformation |
| Altering the electrical or gas installation | Transformation |
| Removing equipment listed in the lease | Transformation |
At move-out
- A few rawlplug holes: filling them is a tenant repair when they stay minor (decree no. 87-712).
- A bold colour: as we read it, clean, well-applied paint is not damage, even if it is not to the landlord's taste. Sloppy paint or stained walls are.
- A transformation without consent: the landlord may require restoration at the tenant's cost, or keep it without compensation. If it endangers the equipment or the safety of the premises, the landlord may require immediate restoration.
Two cases the landlord cannot block
Disability or loss-of-autonomy adaptations and energy renovation works may be done at the tenant's cost after a request by registered letter. The landlord has two months to answer; silence counts as consent, and restoration cannot be required at move-out.
Example
A tenant paints the living room sage green, puts up shelves with eight rawlplugs, and removes the partition between kitchen and living room without asking. The paint, clean, costs nothing at move-out, as we read it. The eight holes, if left unfilled, are hers to pay, say €50 on a quote. The partition is a transformation without consent: the landlord chooses between restoration at her cost or keeping the open plan without compensation. Had it left a live cable exposed, the landlord could require restoration at once.
Common mistakes
- Banning all drilling in the lease: the landlord cannot oppose fitting-out.
- Deducting a full repaint for a few holes or a disliked colour.
- No detailed move-in inventory: without it you cannot prove what changed.
- Agreeing to a transformation orally: consent is given in writing.
See also tenant repairs in France, the wear and tear calculator and the wear and tear grid guide.
Have your own case checked
Fitting-out versus transformation is judged case by case. Before refusing works or deducting a sum, the local ADIL gives free housing advice.
Sources
- Article 7 of law no. 89-462 of 6 July 1989, tenant's obligations (Légifrance, in French)
- Article 6 of the 1989 law, landlord's obligations (Légifrance, in French)
- Decree no. 87-712 of 26 August 1987 on tenant repairs (Légifrance, in French)
- Use of the home and works by the tenant, Service-Public (in French)
Last checked on 9 November 2026
Move-in and move-out, photos included
From the Pro plan, the move-in and move-out inventories are done in the Kivlo mobile app: each wall, floor and fitting rated, commented and photographed, signed on the spot. The reports stay filed with the lease.
Frequently asked questions
Does a French tenant need permission to repaint?
Not for a simple refresh, which counts as fitting out. Transforming the home or its equipment needs the landlord's written consent.
Can the tenant drill holes to hang pictures?
Yes, that is normal use. At move-out, filling a few holes is a tenant repair when their number, size and position keep it minor.
What can the landlord do about works done without consent?
At move-out, require restoration at the tenant's cost, or keep the changes without compensating them. If the works endanger the equipment or safety, the landlord can require immediate restoration.
Can the landlord refuse disability adaptations?
They can answer, but within two months of the registered request. Silence after two months counts as consent, and restoration cannot then be required at move-out.
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Kivlo
Kivlo editorial team
Updated November 9, 2026 · Sources checked November 9, 2026 · 2 min read