“Normal wear and tear” on your rental property refers to the gradual deterioration of the property that occurs over time due to regular, everyday use by tenants. It is distinct from damage caused by negligence, misuse, or intentional actions by the tenants. Normal wear and tear is typically considered the landlord’s responsibility to address and is not deducted from a tenant’s security deposit when they move out.
Examples of normal wear and tear on your Rental Property are:
- Faded paint or wallpaper due to exposure to sunlight.
- Minor scuffs or scratches on floors, walls, or countertops from regular use.
- Worn carpet or flooring in high-traffic areas.
- Gradual aging of appliances, such as a refrigerator or stove.
- Fading or loosening of caulking and grout in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Small nail holes or minor wall damage from hanging pictures or decorations (within reason).
- Slight wear on door handles, locks, and hinges from regular use.
It’s essential for both landlords and tenants to have a clear understanding of what constitutes normal wear and tear versus damage. This understanding should be outlined in the lease agreement to prevent disputes when it comes time for the tenant to move out and the return of their security deposit. It’s also a good practice for landlords or the property management company to conduct move-in and move-out inspections and document the property’s condition to help determine if any deductions from the security deposit are necessary.
Normal wear and tear should be discussed with your property management company or Landlord at the time of move in. In many instances there is a time period that they look for when deciding whether things are normal wear and tear.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
