Normal wear and tear can be difficult to define and this landlord tenant law varies by state.
What is normal wear and tear on rental carpet.
For example a carpet worn thin due to normal traffic is ordinary wear and tear while a cigarette burn in the carpet is preventable negligence.
A landlord cannot retain a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear that occurs as a result of the tenant using the property for its intended purpose.
Additionally a tenant may be charged for cleaning where the tenant has caused filth beyond ordinary use.
New carpet that s stained at the end of a one year lease.
Holes in wall holes from hanging pictures removal of decals on the walls.
The owner pays for normal wear and tear in their rentals.
For a better understanding of the difference between the two and when you can deduct the tenant s deposit let s take a look at the two most common examples which are normal wear and tear vs damaged carpet and normal wear and tear vs damaged paint.
And in texas the ordinary wear and tear definition is very specific.
Read more on carpet damage.
A landlord checklist can help you figure out what s normal wear and tear vs damage by forcing you to document all of the above.
Examples of normal wear and tear include the natural wearing down of carpet from regular use normal aging and furniture marks in the carpet.
Typical damages in rentals beyond normal wear.
Burn marks iron cigar cigarette ground in stains.
Normal wear and tear is defined as moderate scuffs marks nicks light stains or spotting.
Fist marks and body prints.
Minor markings on the walls can be easily touched up or cleaned but anything that changes the condition of the wall could be considered damage beyond normal wear and tear for a rental property such as.
What tenants must fix.
For instance an inordinate amount of pet hair or a urine smell left in the carpet would be.
And tenants if you wish to prove that you left the place in the same condition in which you took it considering normal wear and tear take your own before and after photos or videos in case your landlord tries to wrongfully keep.
The texas property code defines wear and tear as deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling including breakage or malfunction.
So what is normal wear and tear for a rental property in texas.
Otherwise whatever you do to ready the place for the new tenant would probably fall under normal wear and tear.
Tear in carpet animal stains even if landlord knew you had a pet.
Other examples of normal wear and tear are light scratches on wood floors wear spots on carpet but not stains and loose railings or banisters.