What is considered reasonable wear and tear in a rental property?

This is a common question that is difficult to answer as it always depends upon the set of circumstances.

Reasonable wear and tear is generally considered to be;

• Changes which happen during the normal use of the premises or their fixtures or fittings;
• Changes which happen due to the natural ageing of premises or their fixtures or fittings.

A definition commonly enforced by the court system is that; “reasonable wear and tear means the reasonable use of the house by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces.”
Examples of what could be considered wear and tear include:

• Paint fading and discolouring over time;
• Plaster cracks in walls as building settles;
• Worn carpets from day-to-day use.