Wear and Tear vs Damages
Have you ever wondered how normal wear and tear is determined in a rental home?
In Texas, a landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear from a security deposit and in some situations, such as for carpet and paint, a depreciation schedule must be followed.
Although this is not a compressive list, below are examples of what items are considered normal wear and tear and are typically the responsibility of the investment property owner compared to what items are considered damages by tenants.
Wear and Tear |
Damages |
|
Peeling, cracked, or chipped paint* |
– |
Drawing or excessive hand prints on walls |
Paint faded or furniture rub marks* |
– |
Stains on walls |
Picture hook/nail holes |
– |
Excessive nail holes “shrine” effect |
Peeling wallpaper |
– |
Torn wallpaper |
Worn enamel in bath fixtures |
– |
Chipped, broken, or cigarette burns on enamel |
Worn or cracked vinyl flooring |
– |
Torn or gouge marks from moving appliances |
Heavily trafficked carpet flooring* |
– |
Severe stains, burns, or torn carpet |
Weathered or worn window screens |
– |
Holes, broken or missing screens |
Sliding doors off track or stick |
– |
Missing knobs, tracks dirty or broken doors |
Counter tops worn or scratched |
– |
Cigarette burn marks, chips or missing pieces |
Towels bars, tissue holders loose |
– |
Towel bars, tissue holders missing or damaged |
Caulking around plumbing fixtures |
– |
Excessive mold or mildew on caulked areas |
Light fixtures/fans off balance |
– |
Light fixture globes or parts missing |
Septic field lines |
– |
Non-flushable products being disposed of |
Smoke detector batteries |
– |
Removal, low or missing batteries in detectors |
HVAC maintenance and servicing |
– |
Neglect of HVAC filter replacement |
Door stops |
– |
Broken, missing door stops-holes in walls |
Discolored window blinds |
– |
Broken or missing slats in mini blinds |
Heating elements or oven racks |
– |
Dirty or missing drip pans |
Worn parts or servicing of refrigerator |
– |
Missing racks, broken shelving, filth, odors |
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* Repainting due to tenant damage is calculated on a depreciation schedule |
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*Carpet replacement due to tenant damage can only be calculated on replacement cost less depreciation. |
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Click here to learn how we handle repairs |