What is Normal Wear And Tear in a Rental Property?

Tenants/renters should know their roles and responsibilities while moving into a rental property. A lease agreement covers everything, including rules and duties, to help tenants understand things before starting the tenancy. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the leased property is the responsibility of every tenant in Melbourne. A thorough end of lease cleaning in Melbourne is required to pass the rental inspection. According to the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords have the right to hold back the bond money if renters fail to return the property to its original state. However, normal wear and tear are acceptable, but you can’t return the premises in a damaged condition. Being a responsible tenant, you must know the difference between the two when ending the tenancy. Here is a complete guide that will help you understand the meaning of general wear and tear and how it is different from property damages. Let’s Get Started!

What is Normal Wear & Tear in Rental Property?

It refers to the expected deterioration of a property caused by a renter’s daily usage. Discolouration of kitchen floors and bathroom tiles, fading of wall paints, wobbly doorknobs and minor wall scratches are some of the examples of normal wear and tear. Deteriorations that happen due to usage and are not due to mishandling are acceptable at the end of your tenancy. You don’t need to fix general wear and tear before the rental inspection because these minor damages are unavoidable. However, you need to thoroughly inspect the property and check the initial condition report photos to see pre-existing damages so that you can avoid disputes while moving out of a property.

Common Examples of Normal Wear & Tear

The minor damages that fall under normal wear and tear can vary by state’s rental laws. If you don’t want to lose your hard-earned security deposit, make sure you return the premises in a clean and organised state. Here is the list of the most common examples of normal wear and tear that won’t encourage landlords to withhold your bond money:

• Sun faded blinds
• Small Scuff marks on walls and hardwood surfaces
• Faded or worn carpet and rugs
• Warped door frames and windows.
• Faded wall paints
• Loose light fittings and fixtures.

However, you can’t ignore dirty light switches or stained carpets because landlords pay attention to these small things, and you could lose your bond money too. So be careful! It is good to clean your glass doors and windows like a pro. You can remove stubborn stains from walls, floors and carpets for quality results. You can book a professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne for detailed cleaning of a rental property according to the pre-approved checklist. You also need to understand the difference between normal wear and tear and major damages to the property. You have to incur repairing costs if you damage something during the lease period.

What is Property Damage During the Lease?

This is one of the major reasons tenants lose their bond money and get into rental disputes in Victoria. Make sure you notice significant damages to the property caused by you during the tenancy. The tenancy agreement clearly states that tenants can lose their deposited security if they damage the property. Broken windows and doors, chipped tiles, flooded bathrooms, leaky taps, and other major damages should be repaired before the final inspection. You could even receive a notice to vacate before the end of your tenancy. It is important to organise your cleaning schedule and maintain the highest standard of cleaning in your rental property.

Common Examples of Rental Property Damage

Landlords or property managers can easily find the damages because they are more familiar with the property. So, here are some most common types of property damages that need to be repaired before the final inspection:

• Holes in Walls and Doors
• Stubborn stains on carpets and rugs
• Serious scratches on walls
• Chipped bathroom tiles or floors
• Ripped blinds and curtains
• Broken windows
• Leaky taps
• Broken sinks, toilet seats and bathtubs, etc.

It is good to hire a professional handyman in Melbourne if you want to fix or make necessary repairs. They will do everything without giving you a hint of stress.

Maintain a Rental Property

The residential tenancy laws in Victoria focus on reducing the total number of rental disputes by supporting both parties. If you are a tenant, make sure you deep clean the property. Check the normal wear and tear as well as major damages to avoid disputes. It is good to minimise major damages during your lease and pay attention to regular maintenance and cleaning. If you vacate a rental property, make sure you return it in a clean and organised state. Hire a good end of lease cleaning company in Melbourne for meticulous results. According to the approved checklist, they will spruce up every nook and cranny and help you get the full bond back.

Endnote

Identifying and differentiating normal wear and tear with major damages plays a crucial role at the end of a tenancy. Make sure you repair the major damages and hire the best professionals for detailed end of lease cleaning Melbourne and alleviate the move-out stress. The guide mentioned above in the article will make things easy, and you can pass the rental inspection without any dispute or conflict.