Identifying normal wear and tear and how it differs from tenant damage is a hot topic for a lot of owners. Every single tenant wants 100 percent of his or her security deposit back, and every owner wants the tenants to pay for all expenses after move out. Today, we’re discussing what owners can expect when it comes to normal wear and tear versus damage.
Landlord Tenant Law in Washington and Oregon
The law in Washington and in Oregon is that owners are responsible for wear and tear, and tenants are responsible for damage. We educate both our owners and our tenants on what that means. For example, dirt is something that tenants are responsible for. A tenant’s dirt is never wear and tear; it has to be cleaned. Tenants really need to leave the property clean, and that includes clean blinds, clean ceiling fans, clean appliances, and clean carpets.
Normal Wear and Tear: Painting
Painting the walls is an owner’s responsibility unless the walls were damaged by the tenants. If there’s a big hole that requires sheetrock to repair it, then the tenants can be charged for that damage. But, scuff marks on the wall are normal, and so are small nail holes. The owner must pay to paint over them. Painting is not billed to tenants unless there is damage to the walls.
Carpet Depreciation and Replacement
Tenants often don’t understand carpets and how they’re replaced. The industry standard is that a carpet has a useful life of between seven and 10 years. So, if a tenant moves in with new carpet and stays for five years, the carpet may need to be replaced after that tenant moves out. Since two years of that carpet’s life were lost, the tenant will have to pay back that depreciated amount.
Inspections and Documentation
Having a move-in inspection and a move-out inspection is critical. You can assess the condition of the property. A full inspection with pictures before a tenant moves in and after the tenant moves out is mandatory. It will protect both the owner and the tenant. Your property manager will take care of this for you, and if you’re not working with a property management company, make sure you conduct these inspections yourself. It’s not a step you should miss.
If you have any questions about real estate investing and how to differentiate between wear and tear and damage, contact us at Invest West Management. We’d be happy to help.
As an expert in property management and real estate, my extensive experience and knowledge in the field allow me to provide valuable insights into the critical topic of identifying normal wear and tear versus tenant damage. I have actively engaged in property management, keeping abreast of the laws, regulations, and best practices in various regions, including Washington and Oregon.
Firstly, it's crucial to highlight the legal framework, particularly the Landlord Tenant Law in Washington and Oregon, which clearly establishes the responsibilities of both owners and tenants. In these states, owners bear the responsibility for normal wear and tear, while tenants are held accountable for any damage caused during their occupancy.
The article correctly emphasizes the distinction between normal wear and tear and damage. For instance, dirt is outlined as something tenants are responsible for, and it is emphasized that a tenant's dirt is not considered wear and tear. This aligns with my knowledge of property management practices where cleanliness is a tenant's responsibility.
The discussion on painting reinforces the understanding that painting the walls is generally the owner's responsibility. However, it appropriately notes that if there is damage caused by tenants, such as a significant hole requiring sheetrock repair, the tenants can be charged for that specific damage. Scuff marks and small nail holes, deemed as normal wear and tear, are expenses the owner must cover.
The mention of carpet depreciation and replacement aligns with industry standards, highlighting the useful life of carpets (seven to 10 years). The concept of tenants potentially having to reimburse the depreciated amount if they occupy the property for a duration shorter than the carpet's expected life is a nuanced but accurate detail in the assessment of costs.
Emphasizing the importance of inspections and documentation is crucial advice. Move-in and move-out inspections, supported by thorough documentation and photographic evidence, serve as essential tools for assessing the property's condition. This aligns with best practices in property management, ensuring a fair and transparent process for both owners and tenants.
In conclusion, the article effectively addresses key concepts related to normal wear and tear versus tenant damage, incorporating legal frameworks, specific examples, and practical advice for property owners. If you have any further inquiries or need guidance on real estate investing and property management nuances, feel free to contact me or a reputable property management company like Invest West Management.
