As a landlord, it is crucial to distinguish between normal wear and tear and damages caused by residents.

What Is Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that occurs in a property over time due to regular use and the passage of time. Depreciation of furnishings and appliances is expected and cannot be fully attributed to the resident. Assigning such damages to the resident would be both unfair and unlawful. Landlords must take time-induced wear and tear into account before making any deductions from the security deposit.

Legally, landlords cannot withhold the resident’s security or damage deposit to cover repairs for normal wear and tear. However, costs incurred from damages that exceed normal wear and tear can be deducted from the deposit, as outlined below.

Examples of Normal Wear and Tear

  • Fading, peeling, or cracked paint

  • Slightly torn or faded wallpaper

  • Small chips in plaster

  • Nail holes, pinholes, or small cracks in the wall

  • Damage from lack of door stoppers (minor wall scuffs)

  • Doors sticking due to humidity

  • Cracked window panes caused by a settling foundation

  • Floors needing refinishing or varnish

  • Carpet faded or worn thin from foot traffic

  • Loose grouting or bathroom tiles

  • Worn or scratched enamel in older bathtubs, sinks, or toilets

  • Rust on shower rods

  • Partially clogged sinks from aging pipes

  • Dirty or faded lamps or window shades

  • Broken window blind strings

  • Malfunctioning retractable or pull-down blinds

  • Wear on locks, electrical outlets, and appliances (without negligence)

  • Loose toilet paper holders, towel bars, or toilet seats

  • Garage door spring failure

  • Gutter, roof, or siding wear

  • Moss in grass or patches of dead grass beyond the resident’s control

  • Moss on exterior walkways or decks

  • Natural fence and gate deterioration

  • Dirty exterior windows (unless tenant responsibility)

Examples of Resident Damage

  • Non-functional lightbulbs (excluding specialty bulbs)

  • Large holes in walls or plaster

  • Unauthorized drawings, crayon markings, or wallpaper

  • Severely damaged or ruined wallpaper

  • Gouged or chipped wood floors

  • Doors ripped off hinges

  • Broken or missing windows

  • Missing fixtures

  • Holes or stains in ceilings from removed fixtures

  • Burns, stains, or holes in carpets

  • Missing or cracked bathroom tiles

  • Chipped or broken enamel in bathtubs or sinks

  • Clogged or damaged toilets from misuse

  • Missing or bent shower rods

  • Torn, stained, or missing lamps or window shades

  • Missing items noted in the move-in inspection report