One of the unavoidable things landlords face is the natural deterioration of a rental property due to standard use and aging over time. It's a common issue in all rentals and is expected even with proper and regular maintenance.
Given that these are out of your and the tenants' control, they can't be deducted from the tenant's security deposit.
With that said, knowing what is considered normal wear and tear versus property damage keeps landlords from covering repair costs that are out of their responsibility.
Common Examples of Wear and Tear
- Faded paint or wallpaper
- Worn or stained flooring
- Minor scuffs and scratches on the walls and floors
- Loose door handles and hinges
- Worn-out carpets and rugs
- Discoloration of window shades
Factors to Consider When Identifying Normal Wear and Tear
Age and Condition of the Property
The property's age usually affects what constitutes normal wear and tear. Older properties will have more visible signs of wear.
You should also consider the state of the rental unit before the tenant moved in to ascertain if the tenant's negligence caused the breakage or if it is simply time to replace or repair it.
Length of the Tenant's Occupancy
Normal wear and tear becomes more severe the longer the rental is occupied, so the lease term of the resident must be considered.
Minor scuff marks on wood floors near the doorway can be normal wear and tear, whereas broken windows cannot be caused by any amount of time, which is considered excessive property damage.
Lease Terms and Conditions
Landlords should be comprehensive about the tenant's responsibility in maintaining the property's condition and what they can leave to ordinary wear.
Stating specific terms in the lease agreement regarding broken appliances, nail holes, and other actual property damage can help you minimize repair and replacement costs.
Weather and Climate
The location of your rental property can contribute to its regular wear and tear. For example, a rental unit with several windows can expose the property to sunlight, causing damage such as fading paint.
Even strong natural occurrences, like flooding, can cause significant damage. This can cause water stains and cannot be considered tenant negligence.
Life Expectancy of Rental Property Features
Consider how long it will take for normal wear to start affecting certain property features. Average life expectancies exist, especially for items that are used often.
- Carpets: 5-10 years
- Appliances: 5-15 years
- Paint: 3-5 years
- Flooring: 10-20 years
What is Considered Excessive Damage?
- Intentional damage or vandalism
- Neglect or abuse of the property
- Failure to report maintenance issues or repairs
- Unauthorized alterations or renovations
How You Can Minimize Rental Property Damage
Clear Lease Agreement
Specify what can be considered tenant damage and not normal wear and tear. This can prevent security deposit disputes during move-out inspections.
You should list tenant responsibilities for upkeep to maintain the property's condition, as well as outline the consequences for improper use or when tenants exceed normal wear.
Require a Security Deposit
A security deposit can protect you and your rental income from the costs of tenant-caused property damage. When necessary, landlords deduct fees such as repair and cleaning costs.
It can even cover unpaid rent when needed. Just be sure to provide proper notice and an itemized list of your deductions.
Routine Maintenance
Regular maintenance allows you to identify minor issues early on, preventing them from getting worse and, therefore, requiring higher costs.
It's the landlord's responsibility to maintain systems like plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning units, as they can also be subjected to normal wear and tear.
Tenant Screening
Screening your tenants can prevent you from renting to residents who cannot follow lease terms and maintain your property. Something as simple as calls to previous landlords can help you determine whether a tenant will behave or not. You can hire a property management company to conduct a more thorough screening for you.
Move-Out and Move-In Inspection
When a tenant moves out, make sure that you check for normal wear and tear as well as tenant-caused damage and charge them for repairs.
You should also inspect a property before a tenant moves in to identify any typical wear and tear that may have existed beforehand.
Rental Property Wear and Tear FAQs
Who is responsible for normal wear and tear?
Generally, landlords are in charge of handling wear and tear. One of your property management responsibilities includes ensuring the unit is ready to rent, and that means correcting any signs of habitation and negligence, like nail holes, minor scratches, and more.
Can a landlord deduct from the security deposit for everyday wear and tear?
The property owner can only deduct from the security deposit for damage to the property and excessive wear. Slight scuff marks on hardwood floors are normal wear, whereas cracked bathroom tiles, for instance, are considered damage.
What happens if I ignore the normal wear of my property?
While wear and tear is considered normal depreciation, ignoring it can cause your property to lose further value, and you may have trouble finding prospective tenants.
Can I charge cleaning fees to previous tenants?
Yes, but only to return the property to its original state before the tenant occupied the unit. The tenant will not be required to pay for correcting normal wear and tear.
What if a tenant disputes property damage that they caused?
You can avoid this by implementing proactive measures like joint inspections with detailed reports, as well as photographic and video evidence of the property's condition prior to renting.
Hiring Property Managers for Efficient Solutions
Blue Line Property Management can help you retain the value of your property beyond normal wear and tear through vigilant maintenance. We will also conduct regular inspections to determine whether a tenant caused excessive damage and enforce lease rules.
With full-service property management, your operations will run like clockwork, and you won't have to worry about the tedious aspects of property ownership. You can earn passive income, focus on other profitable ventures, and expand your real estate portfolio.
Your stress-free investment journey can start today, and you are more than welcome to contact us to learn more!
