Wear and Tear

[TenantNet]

This came from our old forum archives, but is useful (and could be expanded).

LLs are known for inventing just about anything under the sun to try to hold onto a security deposit. You pay rent to live in an apartment and there is always "wear and tear" that occurs. Gnerally, that's the wear on anything that would occur with normal use over time, and taking into account that many items in an apartment are not brand new when the tenant takes occupancy (which is why it's important to take many photos when you move in as well as when you move out).

Damages, on the other hand, occur to items in the apartment through usage that is not intended by the manufacturer, by deliberate negligence or by vandalism. Accidents can fall into a grey area.

Wear & Tear

Worn out keys
Loose or stubborn door lock
Loose hinges or handles on doors
Worn and dirty carpeting
Carpet seam unglued
Scuffed up wood floors
Linoleum worn thin
Worn countertop
Stain on ceiling from rain or bad plumbing
Plaster cracks from settling
Faded, chipped or cracked paint
Loose wallpaper
Balky drapery rod
Faded curtains and drapes
Heat blistered blinds
Dirty window or door screens
Sticky window
Loose or inoperable faucet handle
Toilet runs or wobbles
Urine odor around toilet
Closet bi-fold door off track

Damages

Lost keys
Broken or missing locks
Damage to a door from forced entry
Torn, stained or burned carpeting
Rust or oil stains on carpet
Badly scratched or gouged wood floors
Linoleum with tears or holes
Burns and cuts in counter top
Stain on ceiling from overflowed tub
Holes in walls from kids or carelessness
Unapproved (bad) tenant paint job
Ripped or marked-up wallpaper
Broken drapery rod
Torn or missing curtains and drapes
Blinds with bent slats
Torn or missing screens
Broken window
Broken or missing faucet handle
Broken toilet seat or tank top
Urine or pet odor throughout unit
Damaged or missing bi-fold door

See the original post at http://tenant.net/forum/board/messages/arcs98/arcs98Q4/2949.html