French Phrase
C'est pour les dégâts, pas pour payer le loyer.
Meaning
The sentence means “It’s intended for the damages, not for paying the rent.” It clarifies how a sum of money or a payment should be allocated, distinguishing between covering repair costs and covering the monthly rent.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing the purpose of a payment, deposit, or insurance claim with a landlord, roommate, or insurance agent. It’s especially handy when you want to make clear that the money is earmarked for fixing damage rather than covering rent.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estpourlesdégâts,paspourpayerleloyer.
C'est
Contraction of "Ce est" meaning "It is"; used to identify or describe something.
pour + noun
The preposition "pour" introduces the purpose or intended use of something.
les dégâts
Plural noun meaning "damages"; the definite article "les" specifies known or general damages.
pas pour + infinitive
Negates the purpose; "pas pour" means "not for" followed by an infinitive verb.
payer le loyer
Infinitive phrase meaning "to pay the rent"; "le loyer" is the monthly rent payment.
🗨In Conversation
Je viens de déposer 500 € sur le compte.
I just deposited €500 into the account.
C'est pour les dégâts, pas pour payer le loyer.
It’s for the damages, not for paying the rent.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est pour les dégâts, pas payer le loyer.
The negation must repeat the preposition "pour"; omit "pas" alone leads to an ungrammatical structure.
C'est pour les dégâts, pas pour payer la loyer.
"Loyer" is masculine, so the article must be "le".
C'est pour les dégâts, pas de payer le loyer.
Use "pas pour" to negate purpose, not "pas de".
↔Alternatives
C'est destiné aux réparations, pas au loyer.
It’s intended for repairs, not for the rent.
L'argent sert à couvrir les dégâts, pas à régler le loyer.
The money is to cover the damages, not to settle the rent.
Ce n'est pas pour le loyer, mais pour les dommages.
It’s not for the rent, but for the damages.
Cultural Tip
In France, tenants often pay a security deposit (dépôt de garantie) that can be used to cover any damage at the end of the lease. It’s common to clarify whether a payment is meant for that deposit or for the monthly rent, especially when dealing with landlords or insurance companies. Using a clear phrase like this avoids misunderstandings and keeps the landlord‑tenant relationship professional.