What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear For Your Property?

When it comes to rental properties, there’s a thin line between normal wear and tear and actual damage. The deciding factor is oftentimes unclear, and landlords can sometimes leave money on the table or pay for damages out of pocket. Today, we’ll go over how to recognize wear and tear, as well as help landlords understand what to look for.

Determining Normal Wear and Tear 

Normal wear and tear refers to the natural and gradual deterioration of a rental property due to ordinary use over the tenant’s stay. In some cases, it occurs regardless of a respectful and careful tenant and cannot be fully prevented through typical maintenance. A great way for landlords to see what determines normal wear and tear is to look at the age, quality, and expected lifespan of each damaged part of the property. Items that get used every day will display normal discoloration, scratches, or slight loosening of fixtures over time. This is normal wear and tear. However, if these things are used incorrectly and not taken care of, they can be signs of property damage. 

Surfaces and Finishes

The surfaces and finishes of a rental are some of the most commonly disputed areas of wear and tear when a tenant moves out. These include paint, walls, flooring, and countertops. For walls and paint, normal wear and tear presents itself in a gradual fading of the paint from the sun. The walls may have a few scuff marks from furniture moving or small nail holes from hanging frames. At the same time, damage looks more obvious, like larger holes or graffiti. Extensive damage can require replacing the drywall or hiring someone to patch said holes.

Much like paint, carpet also fades as it ages, though it may also flatten in spots with heavy foot traffic. Carpets do have a lifespan, though, anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on the quality. Meaning if your tenant has lived for longer than the estimated lifespan of the carpet, even if torn, it may still be considered normal wear and tear. Hardwood floor and tile, on the other hand, can last decades if taken care of. Not only do they have significantly longer lifespans than carpet, unless purposefully damaged, spot repairs are generally more affordable than redoing the entire flooring.

In the kitchen and bathrooms, the countertop and cabinets are what to keep an eye on. Dulling of the surfaces and slight loosening of hinges are considered normal wear and tear. Deep knife gouges on the countertop, swelling of the cabinets due to an ignored water leak, or missing cabinet doors would be considered damaged. 

Documentation and Record Keeping

Accurately assessing wear and tear requires consistent and verifiable documentation. Prior to the tenant moving in, make sure to conduct a thorough inspection and record the condition of all items, as well as notes and either photos or video. This is to protect both you and your tenant, as it's not unheard of that a landlord to blame existing damage on the current tenant. Periodic inspection of the property is a great way to stay ahead of developing issues, protect your investment, and ensure tenant satisfaction. Finally, when the tenant moves out, compare the current condition to the move-in records to determine if any changes fit with what is considered normal wear and tear. 

Normal wear and tear is an unavoidable result of people living. Though the distinction relies on an objective assessment of the cause, as well as the severity of the damage. If you’re having a deposit dispute with your tenant or you need help managing their Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.