Repairs & Maintenance
These phrases will help you report a problem to your landlord or property manager and get it fixed.
Key Phrases
Ça ne marche plus.
casualIt doesn't work anymore.
Use the verb "marcher" (to walk) for broken appliances or systems in everyday spoken French.
Il y a un problème avec le chauffage.
neutralThere is a problem with the heating.
A clear, standard way to introduce a general issue to a landlord.
L'eau coule partout !
casualWater is running everywhere!
Use this to show urgency if a pipe bursts or overflows.
Il y a une fuite sous le lavabo.
neutralThere is a leak under the sink.
The word "fuite" (leak) is essential for plumbing problems.
La serrure de la porte est cassée.
neutralThe door lock is broken.
"Serrure" (lock) is a very useful word when renting an apartment.
Vous pouvez envoyer quelqu'un ?
casualCan you send someone?
Asking a question using just your vocal intonation is very common in informal speech.
Il faut réparer la douche.
neutralThe shower needs fixing.
The phrase "il faut" (it is necessary) is direct but standard for stating what must be done.
Est-ce que vous pouvez réparer ça s'il vous plaît ?
politeCan you fix this, please?
The standard, polite way to request a fix from a manager you don't know well.
Vous allez venir quand ?
casualWhen are you going to come?
Using "aller" + infinitive (futur proche) is the most common way to talk about the future.
Quand est-ce que le plombier va venir ?
neutralWhen is the plumber going to come?
You can swap "le plombier" (the plumber) with "l'électricien" or "le réparateur".