What is considered normal wear and tear?

Having a rental property and tenants, owners should expect to have normal wear and tear items that need to be taken care of in a home.  For example, new carpet after 5-7 years, full painting of areas, adding mulch to the yard, and other items like that. It is good to keep that in mind, especially during the turnover process, as it is likely that you may hear the term "Normal Wear-and-Tear".

What is considered “Normal Wear-and-Tear”?

• Normal Wear and Tear means the deterioration that occurs based upon the use for which the rental unit is intended and without negligence, carelessness, accident, misuse, or abuse of the premises or contents by the TENANTS, their family, or their guests. 

• We consider the following items as Normal Wear and Tear: nail holes used to hang pictures, minor spot painting between tenants, traffic wear in carpet, carpet replacement after 5-7 years, scuffed hardwood floors, sometimes minor cleaning between tenants, worn toilet seats, rekeying or replacement of worn locks, blind replacement due to sun damage or paint flaking, caulking or any other similar maintenance.

• Anything above and beyond is deducted from the tenants' deposit at the sole judgment of Nestwell.

• In the event there is a list of maintenance items that need to be completed upon move out and it will not be able to be paid back through the tenants deposit, as the property owner, you will be billed for the work, the amount will be billed back to the tenant, and a collection will be filed against the tenant. 

Normal vs. Excessive Damage

Normal Wear & Tear Landlord's Responsibility

1. A few small nail holes, chips, smudges, dents, scrapes, or cracks in the walls. Typically at most 10 throughout the entire home. 

2. Faded paint 

3. Carpet faded or worn thin from walking

4. Slightly torn or faded wallpaper

5. Dirty or faded lamps or window shades

6. Scuffed varnish on wood floors from regular use 

7. Dark patches on hardwood floors that have lost their finish over many years 

8. Doors sticking from humidity 

9. Warped cabinet doors that won’t close 

10. Cracked window pane from faulty foundation or building settling 

11. Shower mold due to lack of proper ventilation 

12. Loose grouting and bathroom tiles 

13. Worn or scratched enamel in old bathtubs, sinks, toilets 

14. Rusty shower rod or worn varnish on plumbing fixtures 

15. Partially clogged sinks or drains caused by aging pipes 

16. Moderately dirty mini-blinds or curtains 

17. Bathroom mirror beginning to “de-silver” (black spots) 

18. Worn gaskets on refrigerator doors 

19. Broken clothes dryer because the thermostat has given out

20. Small nicks, dings, and dents in appliances 

21. Smelly garbage disposal

22. Replacement of fluorescent lamps - or any light bulb designed to last for years of continuous use

23. Trimming trees, shrubs, and other plants every other year.  

Excessive Tenant Damage Resident's Responsibility

Tenant damages usually require more extensive repair and at greater cost than “normal wear and tear”, and are often the result of a tenant’s abuse or negligence that is above and beyond normal wear and tear. The list below is not all inclusive.

1. Gaping holes in walls from abuse, accidents, or neglect. Unapproved paint colors or unprofessional paint jobs. Dozens of nail holes which need patching and repainting. 

2. Water damage on wall from hanging plants or constant rubbing of furniture  

3. Unapproved wall paper, drawings, or crayon markings on walls 

4. Holes, stains, or burns in carpet. Food stains, urine stains, and leaky fish tanks are never "normal". 

5. Torn, stained, or missing lamp and window shades 

6. Chipped or gouged wood floors, or excessive scraps from pet nails

7. Water stains on wood floors and windowsills caused by windows being left open during rainstorms 

8. Broken doors, or ripped off hinges 

9. Sticky/dirty cabinets and interiors 

10. Broken windows from action of the tenant or guests

11. Shower mold due to lack of regular cleanings 

12. Missing or cracked bathroom tiles 

13. Chipped and broken enamel in bathtubs and sinks 

14. Missing or bent shower rod or plumbing fixtures 

15. Clogged sinks or drains due to any stoppage (hair, diapers, food, etc.), or improper use 

16. Missing or broken mini-blinds or curtain that are less than 7 years old.

17. Mirrors caked with lipstick and makeup 

18. Dryer that won’t turn at all because it’s been overloaded, or the lint trap was never cleaned out. 

19. Broken refrigerator shelf or large dents front 

20. Damaged disposal due to metal, glass, or stones being placed inside 

21. Replacement of most common light bulbs