0333 335 5172
request@qeeper.co.uk
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a property and its contents through normal everyday use. It’s one of the most common causes of disagreements between landlords and tenants at the end of tenancies.
Both parties need to understand what counts as fair wear and tear versus actual damage. This knowledge helps prevent disputes over deposit deductions and creates clearer expectations for everyone involved.
Fair wear and tear happens naturally as people live in a property. It’s the gradual deterioration that occurs even when tenants take good care of their home.
Examples include:
- Faded paint or sun-bleached curtains
- Small scuffs on walls from furniture
- Flattened carpet in high-traffic areas
- Minor scratches on worktops from regular use
- Slight wearing of bathroom fixtures
These factors influence what’s considered reasonable:
- Length of tenancy – more wear is expected after five years than after six months
- Number and age of occupants – a family with children will cause more wear than a single adult
- Quality and age of items – a 10-year-old carpet will naturally show more wear than a new one
Damage occurs from negligence, accidents, or misuse of the property. This goes beyond normal living and can often be avoided with proper care.
Examples of damage:
- Burns, stains, or holes in carpets
- Broken windows, doors, or furniture
- Water damage from unreported leaks
- Pet damage to flooring or garden
- Missing items that were present at check-in
- Marks on walls beyond normal scuffs (like drawing or large holes)
Detailed Inventory and Check-in Reports
Create thorough reports that document the condition of everything in the property before tenants move in. Include:
- Clear photos of each room and any existing damage
- Written descriptions of the condition of walls, floors, appliances and furniture
- Notes about the age of key items like carpets and paint
Regular Inspections
Quarterly inspections help spot issues early and track the property’s condition over time. They also give you a chance to discuss any maintenance concerns with tenants.
Clear Communication
Set expectations with tenants from day one:
- Explain what constitutes fair wear and tear in your welcome pack
- Provide guidance on property care
- Make it easy for tenants to report issues promptly
When a tenancy ends, compare the property’s current state with its condition at the start:
- Review the check-in inventory alongside the property’s current condition
- Consider how long the tenant has lived there
- Factor in the normal lifespan of items (e.g., paint typically needs refreshing every 3-5 years)
- Be realistic about what condition you can expect after the tenancy period
Many landlords find it helpful to use independent inventory clerks for these assessments to ensure fairness and avoid bias.
If you believe damage goes beyond fair wear and tear:
- You must provide evidence to justify any deposit deductions
- Calculate costs based on the actual damage, not full replacement of items
- Account for the age and expected lifespan of damaged items
- Remember that tenants can dispute deductions through deposit protection schemes like mydeposits
Tenants have the right to see all evidence and reasoning behind deductions. The deposit scheme will make the final decision if agreement can’t be reached.
From everyday wear and tear to unexpected damage, Qeeper’s handymen, electricians, and Gas Safe engineers are ready to put things right. Whether it’s a leaking pipe, faulty wiring, broken fittings, or a boiler on the blink, we’ll get it fixed—fast, properly, and with no fuss.
We’re also here to keep things legally sound. Need your Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, or EPC sorted? We’ll take care of all the essential landlord checks and paperwork, schedule renewals, and send reminders before anything expires.
You focus on keeping your tenants happy—we’ll handle the repairs and compliance.
Understanding fair wear and tear is about setting reasonable expectations. A property won’t be in exactly the same condition after years of occupancy as it was on day one—and that’s normal.
Good documentation, regular maintenance, and clear communication will help both landlords and tenants navigate this sometimes tricky area.
Need help managing the compliance side of your rental property? Get in touch with Qeeper today for professional support that takes the stress out of being a landlord.