Tenants and owners are not responsible for damages caused by reasonable/fair wear and tear.
What is reasonable wear and tear?
Reasonable wear and tear includes things which happen to the property:
- unintentionally and are out of the tenant’s control
- during the normal use of the property, and
- which do not create significant effect.
The extent, noticeability and effect of the damage should be used to consider whether the wear and tear is reasonable.
Example: minor marks and scratches, wearing down of carpet pile, parts of the house fading due to sunlight.
What isn't reasonable wear and tear?
Damage to a property (even if accidental) which isn't considered reasonable wear and tear includes:
- significant carpet stains
- marks
- burns
- scratches.