Cottams Property Management

Many tenants feel like Landlords unfairly charge for damage at the end of a tenancy.

Legally they are entitled to retain deposit for anything deemed beyond fair wear and tear. Here are a few helpful guidelines as to what is considered 'fair wear and tear'.

Carpets

It is accepted that carpets will wear thin over time, especially in areas where there is a large amount of foot traffic. Stains and soiling will require a cleaning charge. Any damage such as cigarette burns, animal damage and excessive wear will require compensation.

Laminate Flooring

Fair wear and tear of laminate flooring includes minor marks and scuffs, joints opening or cracking through movement, or small pieces of wood lifting. Tenants should be aware that stiletto heels may mark laminate flooring and should make every effort to prevent this.

Appliances

Any appliance breakages through normal use is considered fair wear and tear. However, damage caused by misuse, incorrectly storing or soiling is not considered fair wear and tear.

Condensation and damp

If measures are provided (such as tumble dryers, clothes lines, extractor fans, air vents, dehumidifiers) then tenants are expected to use them. If there is evidence that they have not been used then any damp may be considered excessive wear and tear and can be charged for. Tenants would not be expected to have to leave windows open in order to ventilate the property.

Live mould is considered to be a cleaning issue and would be charged for. Tenants would be expected to clean live mould off the walls, but residual staining is considered fair wear and tear.

Gardens

The tenant is responsible for keeping the lawns mowed, and flower beds weed-free. They are not normally responsible for pruning large shrubs or trees. Any garden furniture should be returned clean at the end of the tenancy. Any damage to lawn from sheds or play equipment may be considered excessive wear and tear.

General

Nails, screws and pictures hooks in the walls, torn wallpaper, gouges in woodwork, broken fittings and fixtures will all require compensation to the landlord.

As a general 'rule of thumb', any damages due to negligent behaviour may be charged for, however minor scuffs are considered fair wear and tear.

Tenants are expected to report any damage or leaks in the first instance to allow it to be repaired swiftly. Any damage caused from delay in reporting a problem may be chargable to the tenant.

When vacating a property we recommend that you return it to its original state, including thoroughly cleaning the bathroom and kitchen (inside the oven, fridge and units), or a cleaning charge may be applied.