Rental Properties: Damage vs Normal wear

Dallas Property Management Blog

What’s the difference between damage caused by tenants versus normal wear and tear in a rental property? Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re wondering just how much of a security deposit you can use.

Normal Wear
Over time, the condition of any rental property will deteriorate. Normal wear happens naturally, and you, as the property owner, are responsible of routine maintenance and necessary repairs. What the law considers normal wear depends on the type of material. Carpet, for example, generally has a lifespan of around five years, while hardwood flooring and tile can usually be expected to last 25 years.

You could also call normal wear deterioration. Tenants do not have to pay for normal wear. Carpets beyond the five-year mark have exceeded their expected lifespan. Property owners or should have a plan to replace materials or appliances that have lasted beyond the normal expected lifespan.

Wear and tear can be influenced by how long a tenant lived in a property. Generally, you should expect to paint the walls after a tenant moves out if they lived there for three years or longer. It would be reasonable to expect to replace the carpet at a property where the tenant lived there for six years. The laws on normal wear may differ slightly from state to state, but this provides a general timeline of what to expect.

Damage
Damage, on the other hand, happens when a tenant neglects or abuses the property, and depending on the situation, you can usually hold the tenant legally responsible. Damage doesn’t happen naturally. It hurts the value or normal function and cuts the expected lifespan of the property short.

What classifies as damage differs from one state to the next and multiple factors can influence a court’s decision. Examples of damage to a property generally include burnt or stained flooring, holes in walls, damaged plumbing from improper use, and pest infestations due to a lack of routine cleaning.

In rare cases, a tenant might destroy a property intentionally, but most of the time, damage happens accidentally. Even if it was an accident, your tenant would usually still have to replace the damaged materials or provide the funds out of pocket or from their security deposit.

Landlords and Security Deposits
Before a tenant moves in, landlords usually request a security deposit. The security deposit is your cushion to avoid having to pay for maintenance out of pocket. Typically, you must return the tenant’s security deposit with accounting records within 21 days after moving out. You can itemize the list yourself, but hiring a contractor creates a paper trail to protect you legally.

Consistent and regular maintenance ensures that if the tenant damages the property, he or she cannot claim that it happened because of landlord negligence. Walk the property and write down any hazards to the tenant. Roll through the list and fix the problems. Written documentation strengthens your case, and it can stop disputes in their tracks. When they move in, also have the tenant go through the property and write down any areas needing maintenance so you know what damages are theirs when they move out.

If you don’t time for the hassle of inspections, maintenance, or repairs for your Dallas rental property, let Specialized Property Management Dallas help. There is a reason why we are the most trusted property management company in Dallas. With over 30 years of experience, our proven property management system provides: