A Landlord’s Guide to What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear

When a tenant moves out, you step in to evaluate the state of their living space. This is to determine if the previous resident mistreated the property. However, not all damage warrants fees or withholding of the security deposit. Some damage, known as normal wear and tear, can’t be held against tenants. To perform accurate, legal inspections, check out this landlord’s guide to what counts as normal wear and tear.

The Importance of Knowing What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear

For one, knowing what constitutes signs of normal use will help the inspection process go more quickly. More importantly, however, it will help you perform fair assessments. One of the things landlords can’t legally do is unfairly withhold security deposits. If you refuse to reimburse a security deposit because of normal wear and tear, then you’re acting outside of the law. Knowing what is and isn’t normal use will help you accurately gauge damage and respond appropriately.

A Checklist of Normal-Use Damage

Now let’s discuss some of the most common types of normal wear and tear. If you notice any of the following in the unit, you cannot hold the previous tenant liable:

• Small holes and chips in the walls from nails and decor
• Minor scratches or scuff marks on walls
• Carpet fading or fraying
• Loose door or cabinet handles
• Discoloration in bathroom tile grouting
• Curtain fading from sunlight exposure
• Minor floor scratches and discoloration

Essentially, if it is damage that occurs unintentionally, then the tenant isn’t responsible for fixing it.

How To Accurately Gauge When Damage Is the Tenant’s Responsibility

All this said, signs of neglect or misuse should not slide under the guise of normal use. Here are some issues that indicate tenant liability:

• Large or excessive nail punctures in the walls
• Stained or burnt carpets
• Fixtures that are cracked, damaged, or missing
• Scratches, odors, or stains directly attributable to the tenant’s pets
• Severe, hazardous messiness or grime

If you come across any of these types of damage, then the tenant is liable for their resolution. Just make sure you document conditions through photos to provide evidence.

As a landlord, you must know what counts as normal wear and tear to perform efficient, legal inspections that reflect well on your management. Keep this guide in mind as you handle the process of tenants moving out.