Home Q&A: What is reasonable 'wear and tear' in a rental property?

In a rental property, damage is often cited as the reason for withheld. Residential Tenancies Board has guidelines as to what may be considered reasonable wear and tear. File picture

Question

What is reasonable wear and tear in a rental?

Answer

Disputes over a rental deposit are one of the major complaints made to the small claims court by Rent-a-Room (RAR) tenants. If the rental is not registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), the courts are really their only recourse. 

Damage is often cited as the reason for withholding deposits, so what is reasonable damage that should be covered by the landlord? 

The RTB offers the following guide: “Scuffs and scrapes are unavoidable, for example, a dwelling with five occupants would be expected to show more signs of wear and tear when compared to a dwelling that is occupied by a single person. 

"Dwellings require painting at reasonable intervals, and furniture, fittings, and appliances have an expected life span. However, what is considered reasonable wear and tear after one month is different to reasonable wear and tear after a tenancy of ten years' duration.”

Damages which would be considered in excess of reasonable wear and tear would likely include:

• holes in walls and doors
• burn marks
• excessive staining to carpets
• missing fixtures
• smoke damage in the event that smoking was expressly prohibited
• torn curtains
• broken glass in windows

Revenue will accept a claim for either RAR relief or can tax you on standard rental income. If you have extensive wear and tear to deal with, sometimes, not filing for RAR relief but making a “wear and tear” deduction on your tax bill may make more sense. Talk to an accountant.

See Rtb.ie for more details. 

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