A Landlord’s Guide to Normal Wear and Tear vs Property Damage

Reasonable wear and tear is to the damage that occurs to property through normal use and exposure over time. It is also called ordinary wear and tear or natural wear and tear. This term is often used in landlord-tenant law to limit a tenant’s responsibility for property damage.

This is one of the main questions our property management clients ask, especially when they need to return the security deposit on their Kissimmee rental property. 

Some wear and tear is absolutely normal, when you have long-term rental properties, but you need to know when this turns into property damage. This guide is for you.

What Exactly Is Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear refer to the natural deterioration that occurs in a property over time due to regular use. It includes minor scuffs on walls, small carpet stains, or faded paint. These signs of usage result from everyday activities and are not caused by neglect or misuse.

What is Not Ordinary Wear & Tear?

Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear results from neglect, misuse, or accidents rather than natural usage. Examples include large holes in walls, broken windows, significant carpet stains, or missing fixtures.

These issues often require repairs or replacements that go beyond routine maintenance. Unlike normal wear and tear, tenants are typically responsible for covering the costs associated with these damages.

Examples of Normal Wear and Tear in Rental Properties

Examples of normal wear and tear in rental properties include:

• Faded or peeling paint from sunlight or age.
• Minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas or small stains that can be cleaned.
• Small nail holes in walls from hanging pictures.
• Loose doorknobs or handles from regular use.
• Scuffed wood floors from everyday foot traffic.
• Worn grout in bathroom tiles due to regular cleaning and use.
• Slightly worn window blinds from normal operation.

These examples reflect typical usage and are usually considered the landlord’s responsibility for routine maintenance.

What Is Tenant Property Damage?

Tenant property damage refers to any harm or deterioration to a rental property caused by a tenant’s actions, neglect, or misuse beyond what is considered normal wear and tear. This type of damage goes beyond the expected aging or regular use of the property and often requires repair or replacement.

Broken windows, large holes in walls, severe carpet stains, damaged appliances, and any other significant alterations or destruction that result from improper care or intentional misuse. Tenants are generally responsible for covering the costs associated with repairing or fixing such damages.

Examples of Tenant Property Damage

Examples of tenant property damage include:

• Broken windows or doors due to accidents or vandalism.
• Large holes in walls from improper installation of shelves or TVs.
• Severe carpet stains or burns that cannot be cleaned or repaired.
• Pet damage, such as chewed baseboards or scratched floors.
• Broken appliances resulting from improper use or neglect.
• Missing or damaged fixtures, like light fittings, smoke detectors, or cabinet doors.
• Extensive water damage from leaving windows open during rain or failing to report leaks.
• Unauthorized paint jobs or alterations that require professional restoration.
• Overgrown or damaged landscaping due to neglect or failure to maintain.

These examples typically require more than routine maintenance and are often the tenant’s responsibility to repair or replace.

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Property Damage

If a pet has destroyed the carpets, or there are bleach stains, carpet burns, etc., that’s willful damage and can be taken out of the security deposit. The same goes for a kid who has crayoned on the walls or made holes in the walls while moving furniture out or around. Carelessness is willful damage.     

Damaged countertops which might have been burnt by a hot pan etc. Broken windows, taking any of the appliances, or light fixtures etc.

If the washer, dishwasher, dryer, waste disposal is broken through regular use, normal wear and tear. If the A/C is clogged up because they didn’t change the filter regularly, it will need a Pull and clean – and that’s willful damage to the system.

But if you haven’t serviced the A/C yearly, you have no records to back you up.

Property inspections should be done twice in the first year and if they’re neat and tidy and the house is in good condition, yearly inspections after that should be ok. People don’t change their habits,     

They must leave the home as they found it, cleaned with clean ovens and all appliances etc.  The landlord can dispose of any furniture or personal property left, and the tenant can be charged a security deposit.

What Is Routine Maintenance?

Routine maintenance involves regular upkeep and repairs to keep a rental property in good condition. It includes tasks that prevent larger issues and ensure the property remains safe, functional, and comfortable for tenants.

Examples of routine maintenance include:

• Replacing air filters in HVAC systems.
• Checking and repairing leaks in plumbing fixtures.
• Cleaning gutters to prevent water damage.
• Servicing cooling systems annually.
• Painting walls periodically to cover minor scuffs and wear.
• Inspecting and maintaining electrical systems to ensure safety.
• Trimming trees and landscaping to prevent overgrowth and property damage.
• Pest control treatments to prevent infestations.

Read more in our Kissimmee Rental Property Maintenance Guide for Landlords.

What Is Normal Wear and Tear after 2 Years?

Normal wear and tear after two years include minor carpet wear, small scuffs on walls, slightly faded paint, loose doorknobs, and light wear on appliances. These signs reflect typical use and do not result from negligence or misuse.

What Is Normal Wear and Tear after 10 Years?

Normal wear and tear after ten years may include faded paint, worn carpets, minor dents or scratches on walls, loose hinges, and aging fixtures. These changes result from long-term, everyday use rather than damage or neglect.

How Do I Manage Normal Wear and Tear?

To manage normal wear and tear, conduct regular inspections, perform routine maintenance, and address minor issues promptly.

Use durable materials to reduce damage, repaint walls periodically, and replace worn-out fixtures as needed. 

FAQ

Are nail holes in a wall normal wear and tear?

Yes, small nail holes in a wall from hanging pictures or artwork are generally considered normal wear and tear. These minor marks result from typical tenant activities and usually require simple touch-up repairs, which are often the landlord’s responsibility.

What is considered excess wear and tear?

Excess wear and tear refers to damage beyond normal usage, such as large holes in walls, broken fixtures, heavily stained or ripped carpets, and damaged flooring. This type of wear exceeds regular maintenance needs and often results from neglect, misuse, or accidents by the tenant.

Is dirty grout normal wear and tear?

Yes, dirty grout is generally considered normal wear and tear. Grout can become discolored over time due to regular use and cleaning. This kind of wear reflects typical usage and does not result from tenant negligence or damage.