Blog Post

What is Normal Wear and Tear vs. Property Damage?

Dustin Edwards • Dec 16, 2022

What Is The Difference?

Security deposit can vary from rental to rental, but it’s meant to be used to cover any property damage done by your tenant. Although the rules for security deposit can differ depending on your lease agreement in conjunction with local laws the security deposit should be returned to the tenant if the Long Beach rental residence was left looking great.


What is considered normal wear and tear? What determines property damage?


It's important to understand the difference as many tenants may consider legal action if they feel they are being wronged. Join me as we go through the differences between normal wear and tear vs property damage.


What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear

General wear and tear is expected to occur in any rental. So long as the tenant is not being negligent, or careless with the rental property deterioration of the property is expected. Especially when a long term tenant is moving out, if they have lived in your rental property for years there should be more wear and tear compared to a short term tenant. Common examples of normal wear and tear are fading paint on the walls due to age or the sun, or wear patterns on the carpet where it's commonly walked on. 


What is Considered Property Damage

Unlike what is considered normal wear and tear, property damage is typically caused by the tenant’s negligence, or abuse of the property. This will often cost additional time and money to prepare the residence for the next tenant. While normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from the security deposit, property damage caused to the rental is the tenant's responsibility. It's recommended you hire a professional to give an estimate on the repairs before deciding on a price. Examples of property damage can include broken windows and window screens or large holes in doors and walls.


Normal Wear and Tear v.s. Property Damage

It may not seem obvious to landlords whether their rental property has suffered property damage or normal wear and tear. To help get a better judgment, below is a chart of what would be considered normal wear and tear and what the tenant may be liable for.

Normal Wear and Tear Property Damage
Fading paint or wallpaper on walls Torn wallpaper or unauthorized painted walls
Discolored or worn carpet Burns, oil stains, or pet urine stains on carpet
Scratched or scuffed wood flooring Deep gouging or fractured wood flooring
Worn out appliances Physically damaged or abused appliances
Loose toilet Broken toilet (handle, tank, seat)
Worn or faded countertops Burns or cuts on countertop
Leaking faucet, toilet, bathtub or shower Water damage caused but unreported leaks
Pin or nail holes in the walls Large holes or punctures in the walls
Stuck window Broken window or missing window screen
Loose door handles Broken or missing door handles

Depending on the lease agreement there may be more items your tenant may be liable for, however, this needs to be disclosed prior to signing a contract.


When a tenant moves out while leaving the residence in good shape it's always a good idea to ask them if they have friends or family currently looking for a new rental property. They are likely to refer to tenants with similar qualities. This can reduce vacancy periods and give a higher likelihood of producing another high-quality tenant.


If you are still unsure as to what would be considered property damage or natural wear and tear and would like more details about our services, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247, or feel free to fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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