Understanding Wear And Tear Vs. Damage In Rental Property

The tenant-landlord/property manager relationship is inherently delicate. It is based on mutual understanding, proper communication and shared responsibilities. A lack of any of these aspects can lead to rental disputes. Landlords expect tenants to maintain a clean and organised property, while tenants want privacy and transparency over rents and other duties.

However, the distinction between wear and tear vs damage in the rental property emerges as a common issue between both parties. It is imperative to understand the key differences to avoid bond deductions and disputes when moving out of your rental property. This will also ensure the property remains in good condition for new occupants. With the right information and guidance, you can avoid repair expenses and seamlessly pass the rental inspection.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help understand the difference between wear and tear vs. damage to help you take proactive action before the final move out. Also, ensure you call experts for a professional bond cleaning Hobart after fixing the potential damages.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What Does ‘Wear and Tear’ Mean in a Residential Tenancy?

When renting a property in Australia, you must have heard the term ‘fair or normal wear and tear’. Wear and tear refers to the normal deterioration of the property due to everyday use over time, such as frequent use of kitchen appliances, footfall on carpets, aging of materials, etc. This normally includes:

• Minor scuff marks on walls
• Loose hinges and handles
• Frayed carpets,
• Faded and chipped paint
• Dull Shades, etc

According to the tenancy agreement, tenants/renters are not liable for fair wear and tear. Landlords can deduct the bond only if the property is damaged (beyond fair wear and tear). Thus, knowing your rights as a tenant and avoiding unnecessary deductions is important.

2. What Includes in Property Damage?

On the contrary, property damage is a serious concern. It is beyond the normal wear and tear due to daily activities. Tenants will be held responsible for minor and major damages that require repair work before the arrival of new occupants. The reason for damage could be accidental or intentional, but you can’t bear to avoid them. This includes:

• Broken windows
• Severely damaged and ruined walls
• Holes, stubborn stains on carpets
• Deep scratches on floors
• Broken doorknobs
• Deep cracks on tiles
• Damaged Kitchen Fittings and Appliances.

Deep cleaning or minor fixes will not resolve these issues. Instead, spend time, money, and energy repairing them. Property damage can lead to bond deductions or, in extreme cases, to eviction. Thus, it is important to understand the damage properly and make a well-informed decision.

3. Wear Tear Vs Property Damage: Who is Responsible For the Repair?

Both parties need to understand their roles and duties in related to property maintenance throughout the tenancy period. Let’s discover who is responsible for repairs in different situations:

Normal Wear & Tear

Remember that fair wear and tear is expected during the tenancy, and a tenant is not responsible for covering the repair or replacement cost. However, they must return the property in a spick-and-span condition to secure the bond bank. So, hiring professional bond cleaners Hobart can make a world of difference at the end of a tenancy.

Property Damage

Tenants are responsible for repair and replacement costs if the property or any item is damaged during their lease. If they fail to fix the damage, the cost will be deducted from their deposited security.

Important Note: Refer to the Property Condition Report to compare the current condition. It is because you are not liable for pre-existing damages.

4. A Brief Guide to Understanding Key Differences

Identifying the difference between fair wear & tear and property damage may seem straightforward, but it isn’t. Thus, consider the following aspects for better understanding:

• Property’s Age: There is no denying that an older house or an apartment may have more wear and tear, such as peeling paints, faded carpets, scuff and marks on walls, etc. These will be considered fair wear and tear.
• Tenancy’s Duration: The longer a renter has lived in a rental property, the more wear and tear will happen. However, tenants are not allowed to cause damage to the property.
• Ignorance: If a tenant pays no attention to maintaining the property and causes damage as a result, then it will be considered damage. For instance, leaving pet stains on the carpet untreated can damage the floor coverings.
• Intentional Activities: If you intentionally damage the property or any item, it will be classified as property damage. For instance, using harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces which can lead to damage/discolouration or punching a hole in the wall is not covered under fair wear and tear. Make sure you repair it before the final inspection. Thus, it is good to use safe cleaning chemicals that won’t damage surfaces while maintaining your property.

5. How to Avoid Rental Disputes Over Property Damage?

It is important to maintain a detailed record of the property’s condition report throughout your tenancy. The initial condition report, conducted at the start of the lease, outlines the condition of the premises. You can refer to the report before routine inspections and the final rental inspection to check for property damage.

Since you are not liable for pre-existing damage or fair wear and tear, use this report as evidence in the event of disagreement. Both parties should maintain this document and promote clear communication to avoid unnecessary landlord-tenant disputes.

6. How To Prepare for the Final Rental Inspection?

Landlords often conduct routine inspections to check the property’s condition. You can ask your landlord to make necessary repairs or obtain permission before fixing major damages.

If you are at the end of your tenancy, do the necessary repairs (except fair wear and tear) and hire experts for a detailed bond cleaning Hobart to secure your hard-earned bond money.

Reducing Disputes: A Guide on Wear and Tear vs. Damage

Wrapping up

Rental property maintenance is crucial to avoid tenant-landlord disputes. As a landlord, you are responsible for monitoring the condition of your property, while tenants are responsible for any damages they cause during the tenancy. So, fix everything and ensure a seamless move-out.