What Is Fair Wear And Tear?
All property needs to undergo maintenance at some point, but it can be confusing as to who is responsible for what type of maintenance in the event that a landlord and a tenant are involved.
Below, we will outline the maintenance responsibilities of a tenant so you can be more aware of what you need to maintain on your own and what maintenance requests should be submitted to your landlord.
Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities
As a tenant, you are responsible for any damages to the structure and fixtures resulting from your negligence or failure to report the issue. Besides this, you are also liable to maintain the following at your own expense:
- Unclogging blocked drains
- Regularly cleaning gutters
- Replacing/repairing electrical globes, fittings and switches
- Replacing/repairing the following (should the damage have not been due to natural causes)
- Water-borne taps
- Stoves
- Locks and handles
- Maintaining the swimming pool, pumps, hoses and accessories (if applicable)
- Keeping the garden maintained and tidy
- Keeping the property clean and tidy
What Is and Is NOT Fair Wear and Tear
That being said, it is important to note what is considered to be “fair wear and tear” which does not fall under the tenant’s responsibility.
Common examples of fair wear and tear include:
- Faded paint/wallpaper due to sunlight
- Carpet wear/fading caused by normal use
- Furniture marks on the carpet
- Warped doors/windows caused by age, temperature, moisture or flow of the glass
- Dents in the walls from door handles created over long periods of use
- Faded curtains
- Dirty grout
- Tarnish on bathroom fixtures
Common examples of what isNOTfair wear and tear include:
- Holes in the walls
- Broken tiles or fixtures in the bathroom
- Clogged drains/toilets due to misuse
- Broken or chipped plaster on walls
- Tears, holes or burn marks on carpets or wooden floors
- Broken windows or window screens
- Broken doors and locks
- Broken appliances due to negligence
- Excessive dirt in the oven/stove
- Broken or missing window blinds
- Flea/pest infestations
- Excessive mildew/mould in bathroom
- Excessively dirty bath, shower, sink, mirror or toilet
- Cracked kitchen/bathroom countertops
We have done our best to outline the most common maintenance issues above. However, if you are ever unsure about who is responsible for what, it is always best to speak to your rental agency to clarify who is responsible and take the appropriate next steps.