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Normal Wear & Tear vs. Damage

Living in a space will naturally cause it to deteriorate as appliances are used, paths are worn, and paint is chipped or faded. This kind of deterioration caused by “normal wear and tear” is not subject to deposit deductions. Damage, on the other hand, is subject to deductions.

Examples of Normal Wear & Tear

  • Fading/worn carpet

  • Fading laminate flooring, minor scuffs/scrapes

  • Light scratching/watermarks on countertops

  • Small cracks in walls caused by settling of building

  • Small, infrequent holes in walls caused by nails, screws, or tacks

  • Fading, chipped, or scuffed paint

  • Warn/loose/stuck hardware of doors and cabinets caused by normal use

Examples of Damage

  • Carpet that has been stained, ripped, or pet-soiled

  • Large increase of scratches/scuffs of flooring since last inspection

  • Broken glass, screens, or hardware of windows

  • Large holes in wall

  • Unapproved or mismatched paint, heavy stains, scribbles

  • Damage/discoloration caused by water, smoke, or other elements 

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