Moving Out Guide

What Is The Difference Between Ordinary Wear And Tear And Damages?

"Ordinary wear and tear" to one person may be viewed as "abuse" or "damage" to another. In the absence of a definition of ordinary wear and tear, we phrase the definition as follows:

"Ordinary wear and tear means deterioration that occurs without negligence, carelessness or abuse of the premises, equipment, furnishings or appliances by the tenant, a member of his household or other persons on the premises with his/her consent."

We conduct Move-Out inspections after the resident has completely moved out and has returned the keys to us; once that is done within seven business days of the move out/return of keys, we will conduct a move out inspection. Please see our Settlement Charges Schedule for further details.

* The chart on the right provides some guidelines for distinguishing normal wear and tear from damages.

Preparing For The Move-Out

Tenants are expected to leave the rental property in good, clean condition, ordinary wear and tear accepted. Some suggestions to help residents return the rental property to us (the landlord) in proper condition:

Remove surface dirt (grease, grime and dust);
Pay particular attention to cleaning kitchen appliances and bathrooms;
Make sure that showers, tubs, sinks and toilets are cleaned thoroughly;
Kitchen appliances need to be thoroughly cleaned and satirized;
Grease, grime or baked-on oil need to be removed prior to move-out inspection;
Make sure that the refrigerator is empty and clean;
Check all cabinets and make sure that they are empty and clean;
Remove all items from cupboards and closets;
Remove all personal items from the rental property;
Sweep and vacuum and clean hardwoods;
Replace all burned-out light bulbs and smoke detector batteries;
Do not Spackle (touch-up) walls to fill nail or screw holes or touch-up paint walls or trim;

Security Deposit Returns

Ordinary Wear & Tear

Minor marks on or nicks in wall
Faded, cracked or chipped paint
Sheetrock cracks from settling
Carpeting slightly worn or faded
Vinyl flooring worn thin
Water-stained vinyl flooring by shower
Minor scuffing on wood floor
A carpet worn thin by ordinary use
Toilet running or unstable
Worn gaskets on refrigerator
Cabinet doors that will not close
Cabinet doors that are broken
Cabinet doors that are damaged
Closet door off track
Slightly dusty blinds
Loose hinges or door handles
Slightly dirty windows or screens
Water-stained flooring by shower
Loose Handles on Kitchen cabinets

Resident Caused Damage

Uncleanable tiles or grout
Holes in wall larger than nail size (picture hanger)
Excessive nail holes.
Unauthorized wallpaper or wallpaper type materials
Dirty walls in need of a complete repainting
Faded, cracked or chipped paint
Crayon marks, writing on walls
Oil spots on walls
Unapproved paint color or excessive dirt
Holes in walls from punching
Holes in walls from doorknob or carelessness
Torn, stained or burned carpeting
Vinyl flooring with tears, holes or burn marks
Uncleanable tiles or grout
Large gouges or scratches on wood floor
Stains and odors in rug caused by pets, spills or leaks
Broken toilet seat or tank top
Broken refrigerator shelves, trays, bins or bars
Greasy, sticky or broken cabinets and interiors
Missing kitchen cabinet knobs
Damaged or missing closet doors
Doorknobs/ handles missing from doors
Missing, broken or bent slats on blinds
Damage to door or frame from forced entry
Broken windows or torn or missing screens
Uncleanable tiles or grout
Broken or missing handles on cabinets
Doors broken or torn off of hinges
Cracked or broken tiles
Refrigerator/stove parts that are missing
Torn off the wall towel rods