Renting an Apartment: What is Normal Wear and Tear?

Do you know what the term "normal wear and tear" means? Quite simply, it's a term that means your Landlord will not be able to charge you extra money for any damages that would have resulted in your apartment, whether someone was living there or not. This is one of the main reasons why it's very important that you always do a walk-through before you move into an apartment or house, because when you move out, the landlord may attempt to charge you for "damages" to the unit.

What is the definition of damages? This is a term that has often been contested in many different courts across the nation. This article will talk about this issue, and many more terms that are common when you deal with landlord tenant laws.

As a general rule of thumb, whenever you are ready to leave an apartment complex, which you have previously rented, make sure that you are leaving the unit in the same condition as it was when you moved in. The only way that this can be proven is for you to take pictures when you arrive, as well as when you're ready to leave. A landlord will only be allowed to withhold part of your rental deposit for damages if the amount has been deemed reasonable for the damage claimed. However, if the defect existed before you moved team, he/she should not try to charge you for that particular problem. This is the main reason that it be as extremely important that you take pictures before taking occupancy.

Normal Wear and Tear is a pretty vague term, but here are some of the things that it does include.

1. Faded paint - you were not a direct cause of the paint fading therefore, you would not be held responsible if they landlord had to repaint. Damages can only be assessed in an apartment for items that you or your guests actually break such as windows, or holes in the wall.

2. Worn carpet - this could be the result of anything. The carpet may have already been worn when you moved into the apartment, or it may have been the direct result of furniture being moved around, or it very simply could've been the simple fact that it was time for the carpet to be replaced. This is not something that you would be liable for unless he could clearly prove that you were the direct cause of the damage.

3. Wear and tear on the door locks or hinges- it is very unlikely that the landlord will try to charge you for these items, because this is definitely something that would fall under normal wear and tear.

4. Broken plumbing pipes-unless you were the actual cause of the damage, this is something that would fall under the normal wear and tear.

5. Dirty Blinds or an overall dusty apartment -this does not qualify as normal wear and tear, so be sure to clean the blinds and any other place that dust is prone to collect before leaving the apartment.

6. Faded curtains-this item definitely falls under normal wear and tear, unless the curtains have been damaged in some respect. However, if you attempt to remove curtains that you did not bring with you, you may be charged

7. Bulbs in the refrigerator have gone out - this is definitely normal wear and tear.

8. Holes in the wall from hanging pictures - unless the holes in the wall are unusually large, this would be considered as normal wear and tear, because most landlords know that 9 times out of 10, the tenants are going to hang pictures on the wall. However, keep in mind that if the holes excessively large, you may be charged for them.

These are just some of the possible issues that could come up once you get ready to move out of your apartment, and it's by no means an exhaustive list. Be sure review your lease prior to entering into your apartment, and again when you're getting to leave. Your lease may already address any other questions that you may have concerning these issues.