Landlord’s Guide to Normal Wear and Tear: Laws, Examples, and Pro Tips

Normal wear and tear happens in every rental. Scuffed baseboards, slightly faded paint, or a few carpet dents from furniture come with the territory. In this guide, we break down exactly what counts, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the laws that govern it all.

What Does 'Normal Wear and Tear' Mean?

Every home ages, even the well-maintained ones. 

Then, what is considered normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration that happens from everyday use (scuffed hardwood from daily foot traffic, fading paint from sunlight, or worn carpet where the couch once sat). These changes reflect the natural aging of a property, not neglect or abuse. Most lease agreements and state laws expect some level of wear once tenants move out.

How Is Normal Wear and Tear Different from Damage?

Normal wear and tear shows up in the form of faded paint, loose door handles, or worn carpet paths. On the other hand, damage is a different story, such as broken tiles, holes in walls, and burns on countertops. While landlords handle wear as a maintenance responsibility, damage usually justifies deductions from the tenant’s security deposit.

What Are Examples of Normal Wear and Tear?

Many signs of use simply come with tenant occupancy. Below is a typical list of normal wear and tear for renters, broken down by area of the home.

Floors and Carpets

Floors and carpets tend to show the first signs of tenant turnover. Foot traffic, furniture placement, and regular use gradually wear them down. In most cases, carpets lose color or texture along commonly walked paths.

• Minor scuffs or scratches on hardwood from daily foot traffic
• Indentations from beds, couches, or dining tables
• Slight fraying near thresholds or edges

Walls and Paint

Walls serve as a canvas for life, so some imperfections tend to appear by the end of a lease. Small nail holes from hanging art, scuff marks from backpacks brushing against corners, or dulling paint from years of sun exposure all reflect wear and tear on walls.

• Tiny nail holes from artwork or picture frames
• Light scuffs from furniture or daily movement
• Hairline cracks due to building settling

Kitchens and Appliances

The kitchen works hard, and some surface aging comes with the territory.

• Faded burner dials or appliance markings
• Light scratches on counters and cabinet doors
• Loosening knobs or minor finish wear
• Discoloration around sink drains or faucet bases

Bathrooms

Humidity and constant use wear down bathroom surfaces faster than most areas of a home. 

• Foggy mirrors from age or humidity
• Grout discoloration or light mildew in corners
• Slight rust on fixtures or hardware
• Peeling caulk along tubs or sinks
• Water spots on shower glass

How Does Time Affect Wear and Tear?

Time leaves its mark on every property, no matter how careful the tenant. These changes occur gradually and consistently.

Normal Wear and Tear After 1 Year

One year of occupancy leaves mild, surface-level signs of use.

Some common examples are:

• Carpet showing early signs of flattening in walkways
• A few nail holes from light wall decor
• Slight scuffing on walls or baseboards
• Light water stains near kitchen or bathroom sinks
• Dull shine on hardwood in high-use zones
• Appliance handles showing early signs of wear

Normal Wear and Tear After 2 Years

Two years bring deeper wear in high-traffic areas, but still fall within reasonable expectations.

Some common examples are:

• Carpet wear more noticeable, especially near entries or hallways
• Fading paint near windows or under direct sunlight
• Minor cabinet door misalignment from regular use
• Loose doorknobs or squeaky hinges
• Slight grout discoloration in bathroom tiles
• Refrigerator or stove showing age on dials and surfaces

Normal Wear and Tear After 5 Years

At the five-year mark, wear appears in almost every room. Most finishes, paints, and flooring materials naturally show their age.

Some common examples are:

• Major carpet flattening or discoloration in key areas
• Paint requiring a full refresh
• Appliance handles fading or labels wearing off
• Hardwood floors losing finish or showing deep scuff patterns
• Bathroom fixtures dull or lightly corroded
• Cabinets with worn edges or chipping laminate

What Are the Wear and Tear Laws in Each State?

Every state handles wear and tear on a rental property a bit differently. Some provide specific language in their landlord-tenant laws, others leave it up to court interpretation.

• California: Landlords must clearly distinguish between ordinary wear (like fading paint or minor carpet matting) and tenant-caused damage (such as large stains or broken fixtures). The state also requires landlords to return the security deposit within 21 days, along with an itemized list of deductions.
• Texas: Texas does not have specific definitions for normal wear and tear in its landlord-tenant law. This leaves a lot of interpretation to the courts, meaning landlords must rely heavily on evidence, including photos and inspection reports. The state does provide that landlords must return deposits within 30 days.
• New York: New York’s laws are more protective of tenants than many other states. While there’s no clear-cut definition of normal wear and tear, New York courts generally favor tenants when the landlord cannot clearly demonstrate that damage exceeds normal use. The state also requires landlords to return security deposits within a reasonable time frame (often 14 to 30 days) and provide an itemized list of deductions. However, a well-documented move-in checklist and photos are powerful tools for landlords in proving that certain damage was caused by the tenant, not general wear.
• Florida: Florida law provides a clear framework for handling security deposits and wear and tear on a rental property. Landlords must return the tenant’s security deposit within 15 to 30 days and provide an itemized list of deductions, if any. Florida law specifically prohibits landlords from charging tenants for wear that is a natural result of occupancy, like fading paint or minor scuffs on the wall.
• Illinois: In Illinois, landlord-tenant law emphasizes transparency and fairness. Landlords must return the security deposit within 30–45 days after the tenant moves out. Deductions for damage are acceptable, but the law states that wear resulting from ordinary living should not be charged. Minor fading of paint, light scuff marks, or minor carpet wear fall under normal wear.

Who Is Responsible for Wear and Tear: Landlord or Tenant?

In nearly every state, landlords take responsibility for normal wear and tear. These minor issues reflect the natural aging of the unit, and tenants cannot be held financially accountable for them.

Tenants, on the other hand, cover the cost of damage.

• Neglect (e.g., not reporting leaks that lead to mold)
• Accidents (e.g., broken windows, cigarette burns)
• Unapproved changes (e.g., repainting rooms bright colors)

Pro tip: Having a good interview during tenant screening can help you avoid problems with damages and payments. Check out our blog for questions to ask potential tenants before you decide!

When Can a Landlord Charge for Damage?

Landlords often find themselves in a tricky situation when it comes to distinguishing between normal wear and tear and actual damage. The difference can be subtle, but when it’s clear that a tenant’s actions have caused damage, the landlord has the right to charge for repairs.

But how do you know when it’s truly damaged?

• Excessive stains on carpets or flooring that can't be cleaned, especially if the tenant caused them (e.g., spilled wine or grease).
• Large holes in walls or doors that require extensive patching and painting. A few nail holes or small scuffs are normal, but large, noticeable damage is not.
• Broken or missing fixtures, such as light fixtures, blinds, or cabinet handles, that were intentionally broken or neglected.
• Pet damage, like scratched-up floors, torn carpets, or foul odors from pets that were not disclosed or cared for properly.
• Water damage caused by tenants’ negligence, such as leaving a faucet running or damaging plumbing.

Landlords can charge for the costs of repairs or replacements that go beyond the scope of ordinary use, but these repairs must be reasonable and well-documented.

How Do You Document Wear and Tear?

Proper documentation is your best defense when it comes to distinguishing between normal wear and actual damage.

Here are some tips for documenting wear and tear effectively:

• Move-In/Move-Out Checklist: Before your tenant moves in, walk through the property together and note its condition. This document should include specific details, like the condition of the walls, carpets, appliances, and fixtures.
• Photographs and Videos: A picture is worth a thousand words. Take time-stamped photos or videos during the move-in inspection and again when the tenant moves out.
• Routine Inspections: Conduct regular, documented inspections (with proper notice to the tenant).
• Keep All Correspondence: Save any communication between you and the tenant regarding repairs, complaints, or maintenance requests.
• Repairs and Receipts: Keep copies of any repair invoices or receipts for work done on the property.

What Do Courts Say About Wear and Tear Disputes?

When a dispute about wear and tear versus damage goes to court, the outcome can depend largely on the evidence presented. Courts typically favor landlords who can show clear, undeniable evidence of tenant-caused damage.

In wear and tear disputes, courts consider several important factors. Clear documentation is crucial; if a landlord has a detailed move-in checklist, photos, and receipts, they are more likely to win the case. Without this evidence, courts may favor tenants, especially if there is ambiguity about whether an issue is normal wear or damage.

Additionally, the age and condition of the property are taken into account. Items that were already worn before the tenant moved in cannot be classified as damage. Normal aging is expected, but understanding what constitutes “normal” wear is essential.

State-specific laws also play a significant role, as regulations differ from one state to another. Some states provide greater protections for tenants, while others favor landlords regarding security deposits and property conditions. Hence, knowing these local regulations is crucial for both parties in any dispute. In the end, documentation and reasonable charges are key when facing a court dispute.

Wrap Up

Navigating the line between normal wear and tear and tenant-caused damage is part of being a successful landlord. For more expert tips on managing your rental properties effectively, continue reading on LeaseRunner!

FAQs

Q1. What Is Normal Wear And Tear Apartment?

Normal wear and tear is the natural deterioration of a rental property that occurs over time due to regular use. It is expected and not the tenant’s fault. Landlords generally cannot charge tenants for regular signs of usage, as discussed in detail in our blog about what landlords cannot do.

Q2. What Is Normal Wear And Tear After 2 Years?

After two years, normal wear and tear can become more noticeable, but it still includes the expected aging of the property.

• Minor scratches on hardwood floors or furniture.
• Fading or minor scuffs on paint or walls.
• Carpet wear in high-traffic areas, including flattening or discoloration.
• Small chips or scratches on appliances from regular use.

At this stage, more visible signs of aging are reasonable, but landlords should not expect major damage like broken fixtures or serious staining unless caused by the tenant.