Tenants/residents are responsible for leaving the property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear.
Fair wear and tear happens during normal use of a property and through changes that occur with ageing and deterioration over time from exposure to the environment.
The table at the bottom of the page includes examples of fair wear and tear.
Dirt, grime, grease and damage – including damage caused by an approved pet – are not considered fair wear and tear.
Taking photos and recording the condition of the property in the entry condition report and exit condition report can help avoid disputes about the property condition at the end of the tenancy.
| Fair wear and tear (Property manager/owner responsible) | Careless or negligent damage (Tenant/resident responsible) |
|---|---|
| Cracked window pane due to old warped frames | Cracked window pane from carelessly slamming window shut |
| Garden mulch breaking down over time | Tenant's dog digging up garden mulch |
| Paint or curtains fading from exposure to the environment (e.g. sunlight) | Paint discolouring from candle smoke |
| Plaster cracks as building settles | Plaster chipped by nails being hammered in |
| Worn carpets from day-to-day use | Scratches on kitchen benchtops from cutting food on the surface |
| Carpet pile flattened from furniture or normal foot traffic | Carpet stains from approved pets |