Normal Wear and Tear vs Excessive Tenant Damages

The difference between "normal wear and tear" vs. "excessive tenant damages" can be difficult to define, but in this video, we will try to clarify that distinction.

"Normal wear and tear" is one of those landlord-tenant law phrases that is subjectively difficult to define. It's one of the leading contributors to security deposit disputes purely because of how vague it is. Most states have individual versions of this law, each with different wording. This is an issue for you as a landlord. However, the general premise stays the same from state to state. Tenant damage is separated from normal wear and tear by implying the property damage resulting from negligence, abuse, or carelessness.

0:00 Welcome
1:01 Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage
1:21 Normal Wear and Tear Examples
1:58 Excessive Wear and Tear Examples
2:41 Useful Life Expectancy
3:15 Excessive Damage Repairs vs. Routine Maintenance
3:28 Cleaning
4:13 Carpet Cleaning
5:27 Paint
5:57 Light Bulbs
6:12 The Importance Of Security Deposits
7:06 Lease Agreement Clauses
8:06 Videos and Photographs
9:32 The Importance Of Tenant Screening
10:47 The Last Note

Our social Media:

#propertymanagement #propertymanagementaccounting #propertymanagementsoftware

Disclaimer: This video was produced by DoorLoop and is the intellectual property of DoorLoop. The creator featured in this video is an employee of DoorLoop. All information presented in this video is subject to change and may have changed since the time of filming. These videos are for educational and entertainment purposes and are not offering legal advice. Opinions expressed in our videos do not reflect DoorLoop's stance as a company.

Category: Property Management

[BenTorren]

It's interesting to learn about the useful life expectancy of various items in a rental property. It's important to keep this in mind when determining what constitutes normal wear and tear versus tenant damages.

[DaniBrussels]

As a landlord, I found this video to be very useful. It's important to know how to distinguish between normal wear and tear and tenant damages, especially when it comes to security deposit disputes.

[maggiemeiemprise]

I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of tenant screening. It's crucial to find responsible tenants who will take care of the property and minimize damages.

[BlakeWest-yw]

The section on the importance of security deposits was spot on. Security deposits can often be a point of contention between landlords and tenants, so it's important to have a clear understanding of their purpose.

[ValentineM-fe]

This video provided a great overview of the difference between normal wear and tear and excessive tenant damages. It's definitely something that every landlord should be familiar with.

[nhoretjaypormento]

The examples provided in this video really helped me understand the difference between normal wear and tear and excessive tenant damages. I'll definitely be keeping them in mind for future reference.

[KevinJay-wc]

This video provided some great tips on how to avoid security deposit disputes by properly distinguishing between normal wear and tear and tenant damages.

[bored.investor]

This video was incredibly informative and helpful! I've always struggled to understand the difference between normal wear and tear and tenant damages, but this video cleared it up for me.

[freelancinglifestyle]

This video highlights the importance of having clear lease agreement clauses that outline what constitutes normal wear and tear and what will result in tenant damages. It's definitely something to keep in mind when drafting lease agreements.

[AmyWindham-ep]

I leased a house for two years. I have two large show dogs, that are always clean, stay up on the couch/bed, are in crates or outside. We were extra diligent keeping the place clean: I placed plastic carpet runners throughout the house as well as large sections of indoor/outdoor carpet as to prevent any damage or smells. The property manager when inspecting the property during annual inspection or when coming over for repairs gushed over how clean we kept the place. We moved out, got the carpet cleaned per agreement and they come back saying they have to replace all the carpet( approx 10k) bc it smells like “pet dander” . I recorded the entire house on my phone, not a stain anywhere but of course “there is a smell” subjective argument (never mind the dogs rarely touched the carpet). I don’t have 10’s of thousands to hire an attorney, what do I do?

[TroyP-yb]

Overall, this was a very helpful and informative video. I appreciate the clarity and detail provided on the difference between normal wear and tear and excessive tenant damages.

[bonnyd.]

In my state, Massachusetts, if a tenant has rented the apartment for over 10 years, all damage is considered 'normal wear and tear'. Different states have different cleaning standards. In Massachusetts, when a tenant moves out, the unit has to be 'swept clean' (that is swept with a broom), unless otherwise mutually agreed upon. I moved out of an apartment I had rented for 18 years and my landlord told me not to bother, for he was going to completely renovate the apartment. We also mutually agreed upon an earlier move-out date, . I was scheduled to move out December 30. If I could move out by December 15, he would forgo the last month's rent. He wanted to get the renovation booked and paid for, for tax reasons, so the sooner I was gone, the better it was for him... and me, too.

[NickoL-ij]

The section on carpet cleaning was especially helpful. It's good to know when carpet cleaning is considered routine maintenance versus tenant damage.

[ISEEKSPACE]

As a tenant, I always leave my deposit with the landlord. Especially if the landlord was always curteous and kind to me. I understand that a property tends to deteriorate as time goes on and I never mind if they keep it for whatever they need to fix.
It helps leave things in peace between one another and you will always be considered back if you ever need to rent again.
Now this is not geared toward apartment leases, but rather studio homes for landlords renting their own homes out and such to make ends meet.

[michaelv]

wonder about small screw holes about 3/16 that you patch before you go. i’ve never had an issue in the 6 apartments i’ve rented before i bought my house. i’ve always got my full security, but I was military and I also was very clean and kept things nice. I also made sure the place was reset and immaculate. i’d follow any list if management provided it and went above and beyond. i’d patch holes as small as thumbtacks, but I didn’t paint any patches bc I didn’t know the color. never an issue in any state I lived in, though my last apartment was a decade ago so what do I know!!? lol

[Aotterete]

Hi. How do you determine normal wear and tear if a Tenant has lived at the property for over 33 years?

Never wore shoes in the house, no pets, no smoking

what would they have to clean I don't expect they would have to clean the carpets, blinds, etc.
California

[gypsymarie]

Do all HUD properties have to abide by these life expectancies and wear and tear guidelines? Just wondering because alot of tenants have moved out and received huge bills. Like in the thousands. Theres been quite a few in the thousands. So everyone is scared to move out. One girl didnt even live there for a year and they charged her $4000 for carpet replacement.

[laurenpage]

Can I charge for cleaning if they left fleas and I had to have them treated and re cleaned ?

[obsessorforever]

My landlord charged me for basic cleaning like dust and crumbs in the kitchen drawers. Here is his list.

Cleaning: Various areas have dirt, debris, and/or residue that needs to be cleaned:
- Surfaces: Window boxes in the basement, laundry room shelf, hardware in sinks, basement bathtub, kitchen cabinet doors and shelves, various closet shelves.
- Floors: Stairwells, attic carpet. As a reminder, the lease agreement contains the provision that carpets are to have been professionally cleaned and a copy of the receipt provided to Property Manager.
- Appliances: Stove hood filter, bottom oven broiler drawer, clothes washer interior rim.
- Windows, window sills, frames, and window blinds.

This isn't legit right?

[donaldcurtis]

Take pictures of your apartment before you run it out and then take pictures.Afternoon I was around lord twenty two years no but new jersey tennis don't respect your property