The security deposit can only be used to fix and repair any damages caused by the tenant. Normal wear and tear is not able to be claimed by the owner. So, what is “Normal Wear and Tear”?
We chose to define “Normal Wear and Tear” as normal deterioration or wear based on natural causes use without regard to negligence, abuse or carelessness by the tenant or their guests during the time of possession.
Damage would be anything caused by the tenant or their guests through negligence, abuse, or carelessness either accidental or on purpose. This can something as using the wrong color on a touch up or unfinished patch jobs.
Keep in mind that some items, like replacing light bulbs or AC filters may be inexpensive to fix for the tenant while they are there, will cost them much more when a vendor has to come out and charge a service call to do so. And some instances like mis-matched paint or a small hole in the carpet may be expensive to fix due to the extent of the work that has to be done in order bring it back to its original condition.
Here are some examples of normal wear and tear and what can affect the security deposit.
Electrical
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Worn out or broken electrical switches
Windows & Window Coverings
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Frayed or broken pull strings on blinds
- Faded drapes, blinds, or curtains
- Heat blistered blinds
- Sticky windows
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Broken drapery rods
- Torn or missing blinds, curtains, or drapes
- Blinds with bent slats
- Torn or missing screens
- Broken windows
Walls
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Plaster cracked from settling
- Faded, cracked, or chipped paint
- Peeling or loose wallpaper
- Small pin holes from penny nails or thumb tacks
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Holes in the walls from nails, shelving or hanging pictures
- Repainted walls to a significantly different color
- Holes in walls
- Unapproved paint job
- Ripped or marked-up wallpaper
- Unfinished patch work
Ceilings
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Stain on ceiling from rain or plumbing
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Stains on ceiling from overflowed bath tub
- Stains from unreported leaks
Doors
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Worn out keys
- Loose or stubborn door locks
- Loose door hinges or door handles
- Closet doors off track
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Lost keys
- Broken or missing locks
- Damage to doors from forced entry
- Damaged or missing doors
Floors
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Worn carpets
- Carpet seam unglued
- Scuffed up wood floors
- Linoleum worn thin
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Torn, stained, or burnt carpeting
- Badly scratched or gouged wood floors
- Linoleum with tears or holes
- Pet Odors
Kitchen
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Worn countertops
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Burns or cuts in countertops
Plumbing
Normal Wear and Tear:
- Toilets run or wobble
- Loose or inoperable faucet handles
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Broken toilet seats or tank tops
- Broken or missing faucet handles
- Clogged drains from misuse
Misc
Tenant Caused Damage:
- Intentional alterations to the remises[/private_member]
- Eliminating Flea infestations caused by animals. The same for smoke damage or burning candles.
- Excessive bathroom or appliance mold and mildew.
