If it’s time to move in or out of your rented apartment, or you’re a landlord with tenants moving in or out, you may be wondering what differentiates ‘normal wear and tear’ from damage to the unit. Let’s take a look at the two standards:
What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear?
“Normal wear and tear” refers to the everyday normal use of a home that leaves marks or impressions over time without harming the use of the home. This can include things from small scratches or marks on walls or floors to loose stair railings. The key here is that this is damage due to regular use over time.
Some common items generally included in wear and tear include:
- Small scratches and marks on the walls and floors
- Repainting rooms due to age (generally a 5-7 year lifespan)
- Replacing carpeting due to age (generally a 5-7 year lifespan)
- A few nail holes in the walls from decorations
What Is Not Considered Normal Wear and Tear?
Not all damage is normal with age and use. For instance, damage from an accidental spill or other mishap would likely come out of the security deposit.
Normal wear and tear does not include things like:
- Not cleaning the property after you move out and before returning the keys
- Your lease tells you what cleaning you are expected to perform before leaving
- Painting a room a different color (and not painting it back)
- Damage to the carpet like spills, tears, or burns (even if the carpet is old)
- Pet damage or odor
- Large holes in the wall from moving furniture or accidents
- Broken appliances (dishwasher, oven, microwave, etc.)
- Damage beyond what is stated as permitted in the lease
- For example, if your lease says a certain number of nail holes in each room is acceptable, going above that number may mean you’ll be responsible for the cost to repair.
While cleaning and packing up, keep an eye out for these possible changes or damages that you may be responsible for repairing.
Know Your Lease Terms and Responsibilities
Landlords cannot take the cost of any possible repairs to fix wear and tear from their tenant’s security deposit. That’s because there is a reasonable expectation that the home will show some amount of usage over the course of occupancy.
If you’re unsure about what you are responsible for, revisit your lease. You should always read your lease to know what your obligations are before you sign and reread it when you begin the move-out process to make sure you have met any final obligations of the lease.
Getting Your Security Deposit Back
In Maryland, your landlord has 45 days from the date of when you leave the rental to return your security deposit (minus any repair costs and plus interest that has accrued in the time that they have held the deposit). If your landlord deducts money for any repairs, they are required to provide receipts for the repairs when asked.
To learn more about getting your security deposit back, read our article.
