Wear and Tear
Wear and tear in a renting context means the gradual deterioration of a property and its fixtures that happens through normal, everyday use. It covers things like slightly worn carpets, minor scuffs on walls, faded paintwork, loosening door handles or an ageing mattress in a furnished let. These changes are expected as time passes and as people live in the home.
On its own, “wear and tear” is neutral. It simply describes the condition of the property. The legal concept that matters in deposit disputes is fair wear and tear. Landlords cannot lawfully charge tenants, or deduct from the deposit, for ordinary wear and tear that arises from reasonable use. They may only claim for damage or excess deterioration caused by the tenant’s actions or neglect, assessed in light of the item’s age, quality, the length of the tenancy and the household type.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, there is a growing emphasis on evidence-based, proportionate treatment of deposits and on resolving disputes via alternative dispute resolution (ADR) rather than court. Good inventories, check-in/check-out reports and photos help distinguish ordinary wear and tear from chargeable damage, protecting both tenants and landlords.
