French Phrase
Garde l'appart propre pour récupérer toute ta caution.
Meaning
This phrase is a practical piece of advice regarding rental agreements. It emphasizes the direct relationship between the cleanliness of a property and the return of the security deposit. The word 'appart' is a common informal shortening of 'appartement'.
When to use
Use this when giving advice to a roommate, friend, or tenant who is moving out or living in a rented space. It is informal due to the use of 'tu' and the slang 'appart'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gardel'appartproprepourrécupérertoutetacaution
Imperative Mood
'Garde' is the imperative form of 'garder', used here to give direct advice or a command to a friend.
Slang: L'appart
This is a very common clipping of 'appartement'. It is used in almost all informal spoken contexts in France.
Agreement with 'Toute'
The adjective 'tout' becomes 'toute' because 'caution' is a feminine singular noun.
🗨In Conversation
Je déménage demain, j'ai peur pour mon argent.
I'm moving tomorrow, I'm worried about my money.
Garde l'appart propre pour récupérer toute ta caution.
Keep the apartment clean to get all your deposit back.
✕Common Mistakes
Garde l'appart propre pour retourner ta caution.
Avoid using 'retourner' for money; 'récupérer' or 'récupérer' is the correct term for getting a deposit back.
Garde l'appart propre pour récupérer tout ta caution.
Since 'caution' is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine form 'toute'.
↔Alternatives
Nettoie bien pour revoir ta caution.
Clean well to see your deposit again.
Il faut que l'appartement soit nickel pour la caution.
The apartment must be spotless for the deposit.
Cultural Tip
In France, the 'état des lieux' is a formal inspection at the start and end of a lease. If the final inspection shows damage or lack of cleanliness, the landlord can legally withhold parts of the 'dépôt de garantie'. Keeping the place 'nickel' (spotless) is essential for a smooth exit.