From chips in the paintwork that have become a little more prominent over time, to the entry of your home where the carpet isn’t looking as fresh as it used to, it is often very hard to differentiate between general wear and tear and actual damage to a property.

It’s extremely important for both rental providers and renters to understand the rules and regulations when it comes to damage vs natural wear and tear.

Is there a general rule of thumb for damage that is a result of just day-to-day living?

Wear and tear to a property is generally considered to mean the reasonable and ordinary use of the property which will always result in minor and very unintentional damage due to natural and unavoidable elements such as sun, rain, and wind. Essentially, it’s impossible to live in a property and not wear it down in some shape or form.

What are some typical examples of wear and tear damage?

The wearing down of carpet is a big one, especially in high-traffic areas of the property. Minor scratches on your bench top just from general use where you put your cutlery and plates is another common example of wear and tear. There might be some small chips in paintwork and square edges which would also constitute wear and tear of the property, as well as areas near windows which could see carpet and timber floors fade due to sunlight, some other examples include:

• Faded curtains or frayed cords from natural causes
• Minor scuff marks on walls
• Scuffed wooden floors
• Door handles or hinges that are loose from use
• Cracks in the walls from movement
• Watermarks on flooring resulting from a roof leak or plumbing issues

What about issues with the property that can be considered actual damage?

There are a number of issues that will be considered actual damage. A few of the common ones include:

• Curtains or blinds that are missing
• Carpets that have been stained or burned
• Burns or cuts in benchtops
• Cracked tiles in bathrooms and kitchens or carpet that has been torn
• Holes in walls
• Broken panes in windows
• Very bad stains on the carpet or flooring, whether that be a wine spill that wasn’t properly cleaned or indoor pot plants where the water has seeped through
• Paint damage from sticky tape, Blu-Tac, or wall fixtures

When will the issue of damage vs wear and tear usually arise?

Any issues of damage will usually come to the surface at the end of the term of the tenancy when final inspections are being done. This is usually when the rental provider will come in and inspect the property, and determine whether there is any major or minor damage or if it is just day-to-day living that has caused any issues.

There are situations where wear and tear damage can be considered unreasonable.

If the renter has used the property as a business operation and the rental provider or the agent is not aware of it, the renter can be responsible for the reinstatement of the damage back to its original condition.

What about pets?

It’s the responsibility of the renter to ensure their dog, cat, or other household pet does not cause any damage to the property. If they do, it is the renter's responsibility to repair any damage, whether it be blinds that a cat has got its sharp claws into, or the front door that a dog has incessantly scratched.

How do I avoid going to VCAT for any damage disputes?

It's easy. Make sure that at the beginning of your tenancy, that you've documented everything that you need to document thoroughly on your condition report. Take any extra photos if you need to, and get updates from the property manager at routine inspections. If you’re a renter, share any issues of damage as soon as they arise. Transparency and communication is vital for both renters and rental providers to ensure you nip any problems in the bud so you can avoid any unnecessary trips to VCAT.

Still need more help?

The amazing property management teams at Barry Plant Ballarat, Bendigo, and Maryborough are here to answer any questions you have about property damage. Don’t hesitate to call, email, or just pop into one of our offices and have a chat.

You can also listen to The Property Podcast with Cameron Webb and Gaile Atkinson on Spotify, with the latest episode covering everything about damage vs wear and tear to a rental property. Click here to listen to the latest episode.