French Phrase
Signe l'état des lieux.
Meaning
A direct request to sign the inventory document that records the condition of a property. It is usually presented at the beginning or end of a rental contract to protect both landlord and tenant.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are handing over the ‘état des lieux’ form during a move‑in or move‑out meeting, or when a landlord asks you to confirm the condition of the apartment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Signel'étatdeslieux.
Imperative (2nd pers. sing.)
‘Signe’ is the informal imperative form of the verb ‘signer’, used to give a direct command to ‘you’ (tu).
Elision (l')
The definite article ‘le’ drops the ‘e’ before a vowel or mute ‘h’, becoming ‘l’’. Here it precedes ‘état’.
Partitive contraction (des)
‘Des’ is the contraction of ‘de + les’, used here because ‘état’ is followed by the plural noun ‘lieux’.
Set phrase – état des lieux
‘État des lieux’ is a fixed expression meaning ‘inventory of the premises’; it is always used together.
🗨In Conversation
Signe l'état des lieux, s'il te plaît.
Please sign the inventory of the premises.
D'accord, je le signe tout de suite.
Okay, I’ll sign it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Signe le état des lieux.
‘Le’ must be elided before a vowel; use ‘l'’ instead of ‘le’.
Signez l'état des lieux.
Use ‘Signe’ for informal ‘tu’; ‘Signez’ is the formal/plural imperative.
↔Alternatives
Veuillez signer l'état des lieux.
Please sign the inventory of the premises.
Mets ta signature sur l'état des lieux.
Put your signature on the inventory.
Signez l'état des lieux.
Sign the inventory (formal/plural).
Cultural Tip
In France, the ‘état des lieux’ is a legally required document. Both landlord and tenant must sign it, and each keeps a copy. It protects the security deposit by clearly stating any pre‑existing damages, so never sign it without checking the details first.