Understanding Damages Vs. Wear and Tear

At Verandah Properties, LLC, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting your investment. A fundamental aspect of this commitment involves clear communication regarding the expectations and responsibilities associated with property care and maintenance. This guide aims to provide clarity between "wear and tear" and "damages," ensuring a mutual understanding that facilitates a smooth, transparent, and fair move-out process.

What is Wear and Tear?

"Wear and tear" embody the natural and inevitable aging process of the property due to usual and customary use. Here are more specific examples:

Floors and Carpets

• Gradual wear of carpets in high traffic areas.
• Minor marks or nicks in wood floors.
• Fading or discoloration due to sunlight or age.
• Normal thinning, fading, or matting of carpet fibers.

Walls and Paint

• Fading or minor scuffing of wall paint.
• Small tack or nail holes, minor scuffs or marks.

Doors and Windows

• Worn hinges or locks.
• Fading or discoloration due to sunlight or age.

Plumbing and Bathrooms

• Slightly worn or faded bathroom fixtures.
• Minor mineral deposits on faucets.
• Leaky faucets or running toilets due to internal wear.

Appliances and Fixtures

• Normal wear of stove tops, such as discoloration.
• Wear and tear on old, outdated appliances, despite regular use.
• Appliances no longer functioning due to age or everyday use.

What are Damages?

Damages occur due to negligence or abnormal use of the property. Here’s a deeper dive into what constitutes damage:

Floors and Carpets

• Broken tiles (not due to insufficient subflooring), burn marks, or large stains on wood or laminate flooring or significant scratches on wood floors.
• Stains, burns, or pet damages that require professional cleaning or replacement.

Walls and Paint

• Unapproved or poor-quality paint jobs.
• Large holes or damages due to removal of fixtures or adhesive.
• Unauthorized paint colors or drawings on walls

Doors and Windows

• Broken doors, damaged frames, or broken glass.
• Damaged locks or handles due to misuse.

Plumbing and Bathrooms

• Broken toilet seat or tank.
• Significant mold caused by lack of regular cleaning.
• Broken pipes or blockages due to inappropriate items flushed down toilets.

Appliances and Fixtures

• Damaged or missing refrigerator shelves or bins.
• Appliances damaged due to neglect or misuse.
• Misuse of appliances leading to malfunctions or damages.

Deductions and Documentation

We ensure that meticulous inspections are completed before and after tenancy to assess any changes in the property’s condition. Deductions from the security deposit are made based on actual damages, supported by accurate documentation, invoices, and a detailed explanation of each item.

Our Commitment to Fairness and Transparency

Trust that our assessments will always be fair, well-documented, and communicated transparently. We are here to guide and support you, ensuring that your property remains a valuable asset.

For any further questions or clarifications, feel free to Contact Us. We're here to assist you every step of the way!