Everyone knows that when you live somewhere long enough, a scratch, dent, stain, or loose hinge is bound to happen. This natural aging of a rental apartment or home is called wear and tear, and within reason, it’s completely normal and expected.
However, there’s a difference between normal wear and tear and damage. Remember, the physical structure and permanent fixtures of a rental unit belong to your landlord or property management company. That means damage caused by negligence, accidents, or misuse isn’t just wear and tear – it’s property damage, and you could be charged for repairs.
In these cases, tenant insurance won’t be of much help, as it’s not designed to cover wear and tear. While you may be able to add accidental damage coverage to your policy, which could help cover things like a broken window or water damage from an overflowing bathtub, it won’t cover gradual deterioration from everyday use.
What is considered normal wear and tear vs. damage?
Minor signs of use to the physical structure of the unit, such as walls and flooring, or its fixtures, like appliances, cabinetry, doors, and countertops, naturally occur over time. Light scratches, scuffs, and gradual wear from daily living are expected, and most landlords recognize this as normal wear and tear.
Wear and tear crosses into property damage when it doesn’t result naturally from everyday life or aging. Whether due to neglect, misuse, or an accident, damage often affects the function, safety, or appearance of the unit beyond what’s considered “normal” and often requires repair or replacement.
Now, let’s go over some of the most common examples of wear and tear in rental spaces and help you understand at what point it may be considered damage.
Scratches, scuffs, and chips in the paint
Light wear on painted walls is expected in any lived-in space. Minor marks naturally build up over time, especially in high-traffic areas. But if children draw on the walls, a hole is made while moving furniture, or peeling paint is left unreported and worsens, it may be considered damage.
Carpet stains
Minor discoloration and light wear from daily foot traffic are normal, as carpets naturally fade and show signs of wear over time. However, large, deep stains from spills that aren’t cleaned properly, pet accidents that cause lasting odours, or burn marks typically count as damage.
Nail and screw holes in the wall
Small holes from nails or screws used to hang pictures or shelves are generally considered normal wear and tear. While most landlords expect to patch walls between tenants, holes beyond a reasonable size, excessive anchors, or damage from improper removal will often be considered damage.
Worn-down toilet
Toilets are among the most frequently used fixtures in any rental unit, so it’s normal for them to show signs of wear over time. Common wear and tear typically includes light discoloration, a loosening seat, or minor wear on the flush handle.
Cracked tiles
Tiles, especially when used on the floors of high-traffic areas or countertops in a kitchen, are prone to wear over time and are generally considered normal wear and tear. Large cracks, missing tiles, or damage resulting from dropping something hard, on the other hand, may be seen as damage.
Scratches in hardwood floors
Minor surface scratches or dents in hardwood floors are generally considered normal wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas. However, deeper scratches, gouges, water stains, or damage caused by pets, misuse, or neglect typically cross into damage territory.
Stains from condensation
In bathrooms and kitchens, where humidity levels are higher, it’s normal to see some discoloration or light stains from condensation. However, since prolonged condensation can lead to water damage, mold, and mildew growth, it’s important to notify your landlord promptly so they can take action as they see fit.
Stains on the ceiling
Water stains on the ceiling aren’t typically considered normal wear and tear. They usually indicate a more serious issue, like a leak or plumbing problem, which, if left unaddressed, may lead to further damage. Therefore, it’s important to notify your landlord as soon as you notice these stains.
Loose doorknobs or handles
It’s completely normal for doorknobs and handles on doors or cabinetry to loosen over time. Since this is often just a matter of tightening a screw, it’s generally considered wear and tear. However, missing doorknobs or handles are a different story and are more likely to be classified as damage.
Bent or broken blinds
Blinds are notoriously fragile, so minor bends or slight wear are to be expected. With that being said, you should make every effort to handle them gently, as pulling too hard or leaving them open during a storm can result in damage that falls outside the realm of normal wear and tear.
Mild soap scum or hard water stains
Regular cleaning can help prevent mild soap scum or hard water stains. However, there may be only so much you can do, especially in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens, or in regions known for having hard water.
Small scratches on appliance exteriors
Small scratches on the exterior of appliances like a stove, fridge, dishwasher, or washing machine are generally considered normal wear and tear, as long as they don’t impact the appliance’s functionality. However, if pieces are missing or the damage affects the appliance’s performance, it would likely be considered damage.
How to protect yourself and your rental unit
How much your landlord or property management company can charge you for damages and how long after moving out will depend on where you live in Canada, as each province and territory has its own regulations regarding tenant responsibilities and damage disputes.
If this is something you’re concerned about, there are a few things you can do as a renter to protect both yourself and your rental unit, including:
- Know your rights regarding security deposits
- Check your lease for wear and tear guidelines
- Report pre-existing damage when moving in
- Address issues before they escalate
- Show a little goodwill when moving out
- Take photos when moving out
Know your rights regarding security deposits
If asked to pay a security deposit for damages, verify if it’s legal in your province first. For example, in Ontario and Quebec, rent deposits (which cover the first or last month’s rent) are used to secure your rental agreement and are legal, while security deposits specifically for damages are not.
Check your lease for wear and tear guidelines
Some lease agreements will specify what constitutes normal wear and tear. If yours does, familiarize yourself with these expectations early so you can maintain the property accordingly.
Report damage when moving in
If you notice any pre-existing damage on the day you move into a new rental unit, notify your landlord immediately. Take timestamped photos and keep a record of your communication so you aren’t held responsible later.
Address issues before they escalate
Ignoring minor issues can lead to major damage. If you notice something starting to break, like a leaky faucet, loose fixture, or malfunctioning appliance, notify your landlord right away, ideally in writing.
Show a little goodwill when moving out
Consider patching small holes or fixing minor problems you’ve put off. Addressing these issues before you move out shows respect for the property, which can go a long way with your landlord.
Take photos when moving out
During your final walkthrough, document the condition of the unit by taking timestamped photos. This serves as proof of the unit’s condition and can help you should any disputes arise.