Wear and Tear vs Damage

When renting a property, it's crucial to understand the clear distinction between fair wear and tear and damage, as these terms are not interchangeable.

Fair Wear and Tear

is the normal and expected deterioration that occurs over time due to regular use. This includes issues like fading paint or worn carpets. It is the landlord’s responsibility to handle these costs, and tenants should not be liable for them.

Damage

consists of harm that goes beyond normal wear and tear. This includes broken windows, substantial holes in walls, heat marks or scratches on bench tops and irreparable stains on carpets. In these cases, landlords have every right to charge tenants for repair costs or deduct them directly from the security deposit/bond.

To prevent disputes, both landlords and tenants must conduct thorough move-in and move-out inspections to document any existing damage. Tenants are obligated to report any maintenance issues promptly to avoid further damage, which could result in their liability for repair costs.

Several factors will influence the determination of fair wear and tear versus damage, including the length of the tenancy, the property's condition at the contract's start, and the tenant's level of care.
It’s essential that both landlords and tenants recognize and respect this distinction to ensure a successful rental experience. By maintaining clear communication and proper documentation, both parties can achieve a smooth and productive tenancy.

At the beginning of your tenancy you will have been provided with an Entry Condition Report and given 7 days to add any notes and upload your own photos, this is a key tenancy document.

At the end of your lease you will be provided with a blank exit report to fill in and the agency will also carry out an exit inspection – photos and descriptions will be compared to assess if there are any changes that would be considered damage vs wear and tear. You are welcome to attend the exit inspection and a copy of the report will also be provided to you.