What Is Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration that naturally occurs in a rental property through regular use and aging over time. Any signs of damage not caused by negligence, abuse, or misuse are generally considered normal wear and tear. This may include faded paint from sunlight, minor scuff marks on floors, or worn-down carpet in high-traffic areas. 

Landlords are generally responsible for covering the costs of normal wear and tear as part of property maintenance, meaning damage as a result shouldn’t come out of your security deposit when you move out. 

Normal wear and tear vs. property damage

The key difference between normal wear and tear and property damage comes down to cause and preventability. Normal wear and tear happens naturally over time through regular use. Property damage, on the other hand, usually results from accidents, negligence, misuse, or failure to maintain the property. 

For example, carpet naturally flattening and showing wear patterns after a year of foot traffic is a sign of wear and tear. A large wine stain on the carpet as a result of a poorly placed bottle or glass is considered property damage.

Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. This often includes addressing normal wear, depending on the condition and severity. This is considered part of the cost of owning and maintaining a rental property. As a tenant, you are responsible for covering the cost of damage to the property beyond what’s expected from normal living.

Examples of normal wear and tear: 

• Light scuff marks on wood or laminate floors 
• Faded paint from sunlight exposure 
• Carpet worn down from daily foot traffic 
• Slightly loose door hinges or handles 
• Small nail holes from hanging art 

Examples of property damage: 

• Large carpet stains, burns, or pet urine that wasn’t cleaned immediately 
• Broken appliances due to misuse or ignoring maintenance needs 
• Holes punched into drywall larger than standard picture hanging hardware 
• Mold growth from poor cleaning, ventilation, or unreported leaks 
• Unapproved paint colors, graffiti, or sticker residue 
• Broken windows or fixtures 

What is considered normal wear and tear on an apartment?

Wear and tear can look different depending on the age of your unit, how long you’ve lived there, and the quality of the materials. Always reference your lease agreement for policies regarding what is considered normal wear and tear versus damage. 

We’ll cover some common signs of wear and tear to help you better understand when an apartment or rental house is showing normal signs of wear and tear versus when it might be considered damage. 

Carpet and flooring

Your floors get the most daily use, so some wear is inevitable. Foot traffic will naturally wear down carpets, especially in entryways, hallways, and in front of frequently used furniture. Hardwood may lose its shine and develop small scratches from normal walking, while laminate can show light scuff marks.

Normal wear: Flattened carpet pile, faded colors in sunny spots, minor scuff marks, slight separation at seams.

Damage: Large stains that won’t come out with professional cleaning, pet urine odors, burn marks, deep gouges, warped boards from water damage.

Walls and paint

Walls show age naturally. Paint scuffs or small nail holes are typically considered a part of normal wear and tear. Paint fades over time, especially in sunny rooms, and minor nicks happen when you move furniture or hang pictures.

Normal wear: Fading from sunlight, minor nicks and scratches, small holes from picture hooks, slight discoloration around light switches.

Damage: Holes larger than a dime, crayon or pen marks, chipped paint from furniture scraping, unauthorized repainting, large screw holes.

Appliances

Kitchen and laundry appliances naturally show wear with regular use over time. Normal operation will cause some fading, minor scratches, and general signs of age but they should still function properly.

Normal wear: Worn refrigerator shelves, faded buttons or handles, and slight discoloration.

Damage: Missing parts, broken knobs or handles, cracked glass, appliances that no longer function due to misuse or neglect.

Windows and doors

Daily use of windows and doors will cause some loosening of hardware and general wear. Most landlords expect handles to become slightly loose and hinges to need occasional adjustment.

Normal wear: Slightly loose handles, slow-opening hinges, minor scratches on frames, faded weatherstripping.

Damage: Broken locks, cracked or shattered glass, warped frames from forced entry, missing hardware.

Bathroom fixtures

Bathrooms naturally experience more wear due to constant moisture and daily use. Some water spots, worn grout, and minor scratches are expected over time.

Normal wear: Worn grout lines, water spots on fixtures, minor scratches on tub or shower, faded caulking.

Damage: Mold growth from poor ventilation, broken tiles, cracked fixtures, severe soap scum buildup, damaged caulk from neglect.

Cabinets and countertops

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets get opened and closed daily, while countertops endure regular food prep and cleaning. Some minor surface wear may be expected, especially in older units. 

Normal wear: Fading finish, minor surface scratches, slightly loose hinges or misalignment of cabinet doors due to daily use.

Damage: Burn marks from hot pans, water-swollen wood from leaks, missing knobs or hinges, deep cuts or stains.

Keep in mind, normal wear and tear can turn into damage if left unattended for too long. Be sure to report any signs of potential damage to your landlord or property manager as soon as you become away. For example, loose hinges on cabinet doors (normal wear and tear) may lead to a broken cabinet (damage). A bathroom fan that does not vent properly (normal wear and tear) may lead to mold growth (damage).

Can a landlord charge you for normal wear and tear?

No, in most states your landlord cannot legally deduct normal wear and tear from your security deposit. This protection exists in virtually every state, though the specific definitions and enforcement may vary slightly by location and property owner. Normal wear and tear is  not a tenant expense. It’s important to understand your rights as a renter, including what you’re legally protected from and what you might legitimately owe. 

What landlords can charge for:

• Actual damage caused by the tenant: Holes in walls, broken appliances from misuse, or large stains that go beyond normal wear and tear.
• Cleaning beyond normal expectations: Greasy buildup, mold, or heavy grime from months of neglect may be considered property damage.
• Lease violations: Removing fixtures, repainting without permission, or making unauthorized modifications may be seen as a violation of the lease terms.

What landlords cannot charge for:

• Normal aging and fading: Faded paint, worn carpet, or floor scuffs from daily use are typically to be expected.
• Routine maintenance: Repainting after many years, replacing worn items, or tightening loose handles are the responsibility of the landlord 
• Standard cleaning: Light dusting, wiping counters, or sweeping that aren’t excessive are typically covered. 
• Pre-existing conditions: Damage or wear that was already there when you moved in and made aware to the property owner are not the tenant’s responsibility to repair.

How to document wear and tear to protect your security deposit

According to 2024 Zillow research, renters who took photos during move-in were more likely to get at least some of their deposit back (76% versus 70%). Those who used multiple forms of documentation, including photos, video, a checklist, and notifying their landlord, had the highest return rates, with 80% getting some of their deposit back, and half getting the full amount returned.

Documenting wear and tear with your landlord or property manager helps avoid misunderstandings and unfair charges. As a tenant, it is your responsibility to ensure the property owner is made aware of potential damage and signs of wear before you move-in, during your tenancy, and before you move-out. Here is how you can document wear and tear to protect your deposit.

Before move-in

Before you move-in to a rental, walk through the unit to assess its current baseline conditions. Don’t rely on memory alone. Create a paper trail and visual evidence that clearly documents any signs of damage and normal wear and tear.

• Complete a move-in checklist with your landlord 
• Take date-stamped photos and video of each room
• Focus on high-risk areas: floors, walls, appliances, windows, bathrooms
• Note anything that’s already broken or worn

A thorough move-in inspection protects both you and your landlord by creating clear expectations from day one.

During your lease

Staying proactive and communicating with your landlord during your tenancy can prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs and shows you’re a responsible tenant who cares about the property.

• Report maintenance needs promptly, in writing 
• Keep copies of repair requests or conversations
• Document any repairs you complete yourself 
• Take photos if you notice new damage or wear

Before move-out

Give yourself plenty of time to document the condition of the property before you move-out. Do a thorough walkthrough once you’ve removed your belongings and had a chance to clean to make it easier to spot signs of normal wear and tear.

• Do a deep clean, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Take “after” photos from the same angles as your move-in set
• Request a move-out walkthrough
• Document your cleaning efforts with photos

What to do if your landlord charges for normal wear and tear

You have options and rights that can help you recover money that was wrongfully withheld. Follow these steps if you think you are being unfairly charged for normal wear and tear: 

1. Ask for an itemized deduction list: Most states require landlords to provide a detailed breakdown of any security deposit deductions within 14-30 days of move-out.
2. Compare charges with your documentation: Reference your move-in checklist, photos, and lease terms to identify any discrepancies.
3. Research your local tenant laws: Every state has specific rules about security deposits and normal wear and tear. 
4. Write a formal dispute letter: Clearly explain why you believe the charges are unfair, provide evidence, and request a refund of the improperly withheld amount.
5. Consider legal action if necessary: Small claims court is often an affordable option for recovering wrongfully withheld deposits, and state laws might even require landlords to pay penalties for wrongful withholding.