For a better understanding of the difference between the two and when you can deduct the tenant s deposit let s take a look at the two most common examples which are normal wear and tear vs damaged carpet and normal wear and tear vs damaged paint.
Fair wear and tear for 20 year old carpet.
If there are no large stains tears or rips and the carpet simply needs to be cleaned that falls under normal wear and tear.
Regarding the discolouration slightly grey you need to better understand the cause.
Q how old is that carpet.
Ordinary wear and tear to carpets drapes and other furnishings cannot be charged against a tenant s security deposit.
Carpet the reasonable flattening of the pile in areas where you have walked or had furniture will be considered fair wear tear.
Hud has a list appendix 5d of various items and their life expectancy.
Tenants can t be held responsible for normal wear and tear.
For example if a tenant s dog damaged a five year old carpet beyond repair and its life expectancy is 10 years then the landlord could only charge the tenant 50 of the cost to replace the carpet.
It might seem like we re mincing words but the difference between fair wear and tear and damage can actually have a big impact on your pocketbook as well as the state of your rental property.
If it s dirt it s not wear tear.
7 99 or 25 00 per sq m.
A tenant who has lived in the property for 10 years and has caused no damage to the carpet other than wear and tear has every right to ask the landlord to replace the carpet.
A landlord checklist can help you figure out what s normal wear and tear vs damage by forcing you to document all of the above.
I m sure most of you already know tenants can t be held liable for fair wear and tear.
Q e the tenants.
And that s precisely why it can be such a controversial issue.
All those assets are subjected to normal wear and tear.
The common dilemma with final inspections is that there can be a very fine line between fair wear and tear and damage.
Carpet is found to be damaged at the end of the tenancy and the landlord wishes to replace it.
Civil code section 1950 5 e ordinary wear and tear includes simple wearing down of carpet and drapes because of normal use or aging and includes moderate dirt or spotting.
Should the landlord who ar expect more or less fair wear and tear depending on.
Fair wear tear explained for landlords.