Glossary Term
Normal wear and tear refers to the natural and gradual deterioration of a rental property that occurs through ordinary, everyday use. It's the inevitable physical decline that happens over time, regardless of how careful the tenant is.
In short
Normal wear and tear refers to the natural and gradual deterioration of a rental property that occurs through ordinary, everyday use. It's the inevitable physical decline that happens over time, regardless of how careful the tenant is.
Landlords cannot deduct from your security deposit for normal wear and tear. Understanding this distinction can save you hundreds of dollars when moving out and help you dispute unfair charges.
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Examples include: minor scuffs on walls, faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, loose door handles, minor scratches on floors, small nail holes from hanging pictures, and worn caulking in bathrooms.
Tenant damage includes: large holes in walls, broken windows, burn marks, pet stains/damage, excessive dirt requiring deep cleaning, unauthorized alterations, broken appliances due to misuse, and stains from spills.
It depends on how long you lived there and the condition of the walls. Paint typically lasts 3-5 years. If you lived there 3+ years, faded or slightly marked paint is normal wear and tear. However, crayon drawings or large holes would be tenant damage.
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