For a rental unit, the line may sometimes seem blurred between what is reasonable wear-and-tear and what is outright damage. To make better sense of the debate, we’ve created a bulleted checklist that outlines what can be considered wear-and-tear, and what can be considered actual damage to your property.
Normal Wear-And-Tear
- Shower is draining slowly due to slight build up
- Broken or faulty appliances due to age
- Nail holes in walls from hanging pictures
- Chipped or scuffed paint
- Slight scratches on the wood floor
- Slight scratches on the cupboards and countertops
- Moderately dirty carpets and curtains
- Burned out light bulbs
- Stuck doors and cupboards from swelling or overuse
Actual Damage Due To Misuse or Abuse
- Holes in walls larger than a nail hole
- Broken or missing window blinds
- Excessive stains on carpets or curtains
- Large scratches on floors
- Broken doors off hinges
- Water stains from letting rain in open windows
- Any missing items that were there prior to moving in
- Painting that was not approved by the owner
Remember that “damage” refers to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment so use your common sense to determine whether actual damage occurred, or if it was natural wear-and-tear. Performance Property Management is your best bet for helping you navigate your tenant’s move out, and helping you make the right call when it comes to wear-and-tear versus damage. Visit us online now at www.performancepm.com and let us help you answer any questions you have about property management.