Blog Post

What is Normal Wear and Tear vs. Property Damage?

Dustin Edwards • December 16, 2022

What Is The Difference?

Security deposit can vary from rental to rental, but it’s meant to be used to cover any property damage done by your tenant. Although the rules for security deposit can differ depending on your lease agreement in conjunction with local laws the security deposit should be returned to the tenant if the Long Beach rental residence was left looking great.


What is considered normal wear and tear? What determines property damage?


It's important to understand the difference as many tenants may consider legal action if they feel they are being wronged. Join me as we go through the differences between normal wear and tear vs property damage.


What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear

General wear and tear is expected to occur in any rental. So long as the tenant is not being negligent, or careless with the rental property deterioration of the property is expected. Especially when a long term tenant is moving out, if they have lived in your rental property for years there should be more wear and tear compared to a short term tenant. Common examples of normal wear and tear are fading paint on the walls due to age or the sun, or wear patterns on the carpet where it's commonly walked on. 


What is Considered Property Damage

Unlike what is considered normal wear and tear, property damage is typically caused by the tenant’s negligence, or abuse of the property. This will often cost additional time and money to prepare the residence for the next tenant. While normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from the security deposit, property damage caused to the rental is the tenant's responsibility. It's recommended you hire a professional to give an estimate on the repairs before deciding on a price. Examples of property damage can include broken windows and window screens or large holes in doors and walls.


Normal Wear and Tear v.s. Property Damage

It may not seem obvious to landlords whether their rental property has suffered property damage or normal wear and tear. To help get a better judgment, below is a chart of what would be considered normal wear and tear and what the tenant may be liable for.

Normal Wear and Tear Property Damage
Fading paint or wallpaper on walls Torn wallpaper or unauthorized painted walls
Discolored or worn carpet Burns, oil stains, or pet urine stains on carpet
Scratched or scuffed wood flooring Deep gouging or fractured wood flooring
Worn out appliances Physically damaged or abused appliances
Loose toilet Broken toilet (handle, tank, seat)
Worn or faded countertops Burns or cuts on countertop
Leaking faucet, toilet, bathtub or shower Water damage caused but unreported leaks
Pin or nail holes in the walls Large holes or punctures in the walls
Stuck window Broken window or missing window screen
Loose door handles Broken or missing door handles

Depending on the lease agreement there may be more items your tenant may be liable for, however, this needs to be disclosed prior to signing a contract.


When a tenant moves out while leaving the residence in good shape it's always a good idea to ask them if they have friends or family currently looking for a new rental property. They are likely to refer to tenants with similar qualities. This can reduce vacancy periods and give a higher likelihood of producing another high-quality tenant.


If you are still unsure as to what would be considered property damage or natural wear and tear and would like more details about our services, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247, or feel free to fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
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