Normal Wear and Tear

Full Definition

Normal wear and tear (sometimes called ordinary wear and tear) is the natural, inevitable decline in a property's condition caused by regular residential use over time. Courts and statutes universally hold that landlords cannot deduct from a security deposit to repair or replace items that have simply worn out through reasonable use. Classic examples include: small nail holes in walls from hanging pictures, minor scuffs or light scratches on hardwood floors from furniture, faded or slightly worn carpet in high-traffic areas, light discoloration of grout, worn paint that needs refreshing after several years, and sticky door hinges or minor door alignment issues from repeated use. The legal rationale is that ordinary depreciation is a cost of owning and renting out property -- the landlord prices it into the rent. The distinction between normal wear and beyond-normal damage is frequently litigated; courts consider the item's age, expected useful life, the length of the tenancy, and the nature of the deterioration.