Book III: Different ways of acquiring property

The lessee is bound by two main obligations: 1° To use the thing leased reasonably, and according to the destination given to it by the lease, or according to that presumed from the circumstances, in the absence of agreement; 2° To pay the lease price at the agreed terms.

If the lessee does not use the leased thing reasonably or uses the leased thing for a purpose other than that for which it was intended, or from which damage may result for the lessor, the lessor may, depending on the circumstances, have the lease terminated.

If an inventory of fixtures has been drawn up between the lessor and the lessee, the latter must return the property as he received it, in accordance with that inventory, except for anything that has perished or been damaged by obsolescence or force majeure.

If no inventory of fixtures has been made, the lessee is presumed to have received them in a good state of repair, and must return them as such, in the absence of proof to the contrary.

He is liable for any damage or loss that occurs during his enjoyment, unless he proves that it occurred through no fault of his own.

He is liable for the fire, unless he proves: That the fire occurred by fortuitous event or force majeure, or by a construction defect. Or that the fire was communicated by a neighbouring house.

If there are several tenants, all of them are liable for the fire, in proportion to the rental value of the part of the building they occupy; Unless they prove that the fire started in the dwelling of one of them, in which case that one alone is liable; Or that some of them prove that the fire could not have started in their dwelling, in which case those are…

The lessee is liable for any damage or loss that occurs through the act of persons in his house or his subtenants.

If the lease was made without writing, one of the parties may only give notice to the other by observing the time limits set by the use of the premises.

The lease ceases ipso jure on expiry of the term fixed, where it has been made in writing, without it being necessary to give notice.