EXAMPLES of Normal Wear VS Damage
The security deposit can only be used to fix and repair any damages caused by the tenant. Normal wear and tear is not an allowable charge. So, what is “Normal Wear and Tear”? We define “Normal Wear and Tear” as normal deterioration or wear based on natural causes use without regard to negligence, abuse or carelessness by the tenant or their guests during the time of possession. Damage would be anything caused by the tenant or their guests through negligence, abuse, or carelessness either accidental or on purpose.
Keep in mind that some items, like replacing light bulbs or AC filters may be inexpensive to fix for the tenant while they are there but will cost them much more when a vendor has to come out and charge a service call to do so. And some instances like a small hole in the carpet may be expensive to fix due to the extent of the work that has to be done in order bring it back to its original condition or may require full replacement.
Here are some examples of normal wear and tear and what can affect the security deposit. . Each property and its conditions are different. Notes of existing damage should always be included in the official Move-In Report, which is the sole record relied upon for pre-existing conditions.
Electrical
Normal Wear and Tear: Worn out electrical switches
Tenant Caused Damage: Cracked or painted over outlets or switches.
Windows & Window Coverings
Normal Wear and Tear: Frayed or broken pull strings on blinds; Faded drapes, blinds, or curtains; Heat blistered blinds; Sticky windows.
Tenant Caused Damage: Broken drapery rods; Torn or missing blinds, curtains, or drapes; Blinds with bent slats; Torn or missing screens; Broken windows.
Walls
Normal Wear and Tear: Plaster cracked from settling; Faded, cracked, or chipped paint; Peeling or loose wallpaper; Small pin holes from penny nails or thumb tacks; Scuffs on walls that did not damage sheetrock.
Tenant Caused Damage: Holes in the walls from large nails/screws/wall anchors for shelving or hanging pictures; Repainted walls to a significantly different color; Holes in walls; Unapproved paint job; Ripped or marked-up wallpaper; Unfinished patch work.
Ceilings
Normal Wear and Tear: Stain on ceiling from rain or plumbing.
Tenant Caused Damage: Stains on ceiling from overflowed bath tub; Stains from unreported leaks, Large nail/screw holes left behind.
Doors
Normal Wear and Tear: Worn out keys; Loose or stubborn door locks; Loose door hinges or door handles; Closet doors off track, Sticky or stubborn door jambs.
Tenant Caused Damage: Lost keys; Broken or missing locks, Damage to doors from forced entry; Damaged or missing doors, Damage to door jamb or trim.
Floors
Normal Wear and Tear: Worn carpets; Carpet seam unglued; Scuffed up wood floors; Linoleum worn thin.
Tenant Caused Damage: Torn, stained, or burnt carpeting (from food, urine, or colored liquids); Badly scratched, chipped or gouged wood floors; Water stains on wood flooring near windows left open; Vinyl with tears or holes, Animal odors.
Kitchen
Normal Wear and Tear: Worn countertops; Worn appliances due to use over time; Worn enamel in sinks; Loose grouting around tiles.
Tenant Caused Damage: Burns or cuts in countertops; Dented appliance due to negligence.
Plumbing
Normal Wear and Tear: Toilets run or wobble; Loose or inoperable faucet handles.
Tenant Caused Damage: Broken toilet seats or tank tops; Broken or missing faucet handles; Clogged drains from misuse.
Misc
Tenant Caused Damage: Intentional alterations to the premises, including moving appliances or fixtures that are on-site, without written authorization; Eliminating Flea infestations caused by animals; Eliminated odors for smoke damage or burning candles, incense or smoking; Excessive bathroom or appliance mold and mildew.
It is important that you report any repair needs to your property manager as soon as you notice them. Do not do any repairs to the property without WRITTEN authorization. If repairs are done to the home without authorization and they are done poorly, tenant may be responsible for damages.
If you are not happy with cleanliness, landscape or other conditions of the home, alert your property manager at the move-in inspection – before taking occupancy. If we do not know about issues prior to you taking occupancy, there will be no record of that issue and you may be responsible for the situation when you move-out.
Leaving the home dirty or leaving landscape unkept because “that’s how it was when you moved in” is not considered normal wear. Please refer to the Move Out Checklist for the best chances of receiving your deposit back.