Sometimes investors find it difficult to differentiate between damage and fair wear and tear. Having worked under a variety of leasing contracts, we have decided to define what fair wear and tear means to us:
We have collated some examples that in our experience may sometimes be confused as to whether or not it is damage or fair wear and tear:
Event Example |
Fair wear & Tear |
Damage |
Any damage caused by exposure to the sun e.g. faded curtains |
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Any damage caused by natural forces including rain, wind etc |
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Flooring getting worn or stained in high traffic areas |
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Loose toilet seat |
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Small tears in fly screens |
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Dripping taps |
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Loose taps or faucets |
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Furniture indentations (for furnished property) |
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Light scratches and scuff marks on walls |
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Faded, chipped or cracked paint |
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Loose hinges or handles |
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Worn seal on any appliance e.g. fridge or dishwasher |
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Worn kitchen bench top |
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Burnt kitchen bench top |
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Worn sliding tracks |
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Hairline cracks in walls due to building movement |
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one or two items of kitchen inventory |
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More than 2 items of kitchen inventory broken or damaged |
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Internet not working |
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Remotes not working – TV, garage, stereo, DVD/ Blu-ray player etc |
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Mattress, pillows and protectors yellowing |
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Appliances breaking down |
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Washing machine breaking down due to coins getting stuck in it |
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Dishwasher clogging up due to plates not being rinsed properly |
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Light bulbs needing replacing |
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Power surge due to too many appliances plugged in at the same time or international plugs taking up too much wattage |
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Windows cracking due to external forces |
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Windows cracking or shattering due to occupant hitting it accidentally with something |
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Mirrors rusting around the edges |
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Spilling any drinks or food on the floor and staining it |
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Spilling any drinks or food on the upholstery and staining it |
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Fingerprint marks from kids on walls and glass |
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Pool filter getting clogged due to pool toys getting stuck |
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Any damaged caused by pets |
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Any marks to walls and floors due to suitcases being dragged or banged
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