What is fair wear and tear?

groovy_chick

Hi there, I'm looking for some advice.

I have been renting a large family house for 7 years now and will be moving out soon. I have always been on great terms with the landlords and they have done occasional inspections during my tenancy.

I have looked after the house really well, although it is fair to say that the paintwork and the carpets have had 7 years use since I moved in - I have only chosen to decorate one room. I would expect some high traffic areas like the hallway, bannisters and bathrooms to need repainting before being rented out again and maybe the bathroom carpet and kids bedroom carpets needing to be replaced.

My question is, should I expect to pay towards these costs or is it commonplace for a landlord to expect this kind of refresh after 7 years? I once heard that landlords expect to replace carpets after 3 years (but I don't know where I heard this from).

Like I said, I have had a very good relationship with my landlords, but I would like to set my expectation for what is deemed fair wear and tear.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

G_M

groovy_chick wrote: »

Hi there, I'm looking for some advice.

I have been renting a large family house for 7 years now and will be moving out soon. I have always been on great terms with the landlords and they have done occasional inspections during my tenancy.

I have looked after the house really well, although it is fair to say that the paintwork and the carpets have had 7 years use since I moved in - I have only chosen to decorate one room.
Did you change the colour? Did ou get writen permission?


I would expect some high traffic areas like the hallway, bannisters and bathrooms to need repainting before being rented out again and maybe the bathroom carpet and kids bedroom carpets needing to be replaced.
If you have damaged the walls/carpets, you are liable. If they are worn and tired from 7 years normal use, that is 'fair wear & tear'.


My question is, should I expect to pay towards these costs or is it commonplace for a landlord to expect this kind of refresh after 7 years?

See above

I once heard that landlords expect to replace carpets after 3 years (but I don't know where I heard this from).
Depends on the landlord.
Depends on the quality of carpet
Depends on the type of tenant


Like I said, I have had a very good relationship with my landlords, but I would like to set my expectation for what is deemed fair wear and tear.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Why not invite the LL to tea? Bake a nice cake. Ask him to do an inspection and you can then mutually discus/agree what needs doing that is your responsibility.

Sibz

I'd say it very much depends on the LL.
Did you take an inventory/pictures when you moved in? Be sure to do the same when you're about to leave (assuming you did lol).
As GM says - the difference between damage and wear and tear is key.

If you have changed colours in any rooms then you need to return them to the same as they were unless you have permission from the LL otherwise. I was accused of doing this and not returning it to previous colour before - which surprised me as I'd neither asked to do anything of the sort and I never did it. I thought I got along with that LL until I moved out and they tried to rip me off. Thankfully I knew my rights and it cost them a hefty sum in the end - but you need to make sure you keep yourself right just incase. Hopefully your LL is a decent and proper professional.

groovy_chick

Thanks for your replies.

Yes I had permission to decorate, that's not a problem and I agree that the best approach is to invite the landlord round and do a full walk-around together and discuss if he thinks I am liable for anything.

My only uncertainty is what constitutes damage and what is expected wear and tear? For example there are one or two make-up marks on my daughters carpet that don't come out when shampooed - is this damage, or expected to happen over the course of 7 years in a normal family home???

Thanks.

Comms69

groovy_chick wrote: »

Hi there, I'm looking for some advice.

I have been renting a large family house for 7 years now and will be moving out soon. I have always been on great terms with the landlords and they have done occasional inspections during my tenancy.

I have looked after the house really well, although it is fair to say that the paintwork and the carpets have had 7 years use since I moved in - I have only chosen to decorate one room. - with permission? Was there any damage as a result? I would expect some high traffic areas like the hallway, bannisters and bathrooms to need repainting before being rented out again and maybe the bathroom carpet and kids bedroom carpets needing to be replaced.

My question is, should I expect to pay towards these costs or is it commonplace for a landlord to expect this kind of refresh after 7 years? I once heard that landlords expect to replace carpets after 3 years (but I don't know where I heard this from). - No. Unless you have caused damage. IE a pet has ripped the carpet; as opposed to wear and tear IE degradation from walking on it.

Like I said, I have had a very good relationship with my landlords, but I would like to set my expectation for what is deemed fair wear and tear. - Why not invite them round, so they can provide feedback

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Deposit protected?

Comms69

groovy_chick wrote: »

Thanks for your replies.

Yes I had permission to decorate, that's not a problem and I agree that the best approach is to invite the landlord round and do a full walk-around together and discuss if he thinks I am liable for anything.

My only uncertainty is what constitutes damage and what is expected wear and tear? For example there are one or two make-up marks on my daughters carpet that don't come out when shampooed - is this damage, or expected to happen over the course of 7 years in a normal family home???

Thanks.

Damage.


HOWEVER the value of a 7+ yr carpet would be negligible.

need_an_answer

A lot will also depend on the condition when you moved in.

The carpet is a subjective issue...if it were new when you moved in then yes marking beyond dirt that would lift when cleaned may be classed as more airing towards damage than wear and tear.
A lot is written about carpets having a lifespan of 5 years,but realistically who changes their carpets every 5 years?....I've yet to meet a homeowner who does!


If it is deemed damage to the carpet then an allowance should be given on both sides to the age and condition on move in...it may be fair to deduct a small amount in lieu of the damage but you certainly shouldn't be expected to pay for a new carpet.


If you feel uncomfortable about approaching the LL prior to move out then make sure you take a good amount of photos showing the condition of things when you move out.

This can then be used as your evidence with the deposit service in aiding you to reclaim all or a fair amount of your deposit back

G_M

groovy_chick wrote: »

.....

My only uncertainty is what constitutes damage and what is expected wear and tear? For example there are one or two make-up marks on my daughters carpet that don't come out when shampooed - is this damage, or expected to happen over the course of 7 years in a normal family home???

It is damage.


What % of a new carpet can be claimed after 7+ years is a matter for negotiation (or arbitration).

robatwork

I've had landlords who I have got on with really well.

Then when it came to leaving day, they turn into unreasonable gits who try it on as that's probably their modus operandi.

On the two occasions this has happened I just told them I have photos and inventory of start and finish walk throughs, and would dispute any reduction from the TPS registered deposit. On both occasions they suddenly got reasonable and returned 100%.

You need to decide what the carpet damage is actually going to cost given they, in my opinion, should be replacing carpet and repainting throughout.

After all, what kind of scabby landlord would re-let and not recarpet and repaint after 7 years?

I would insist on between 98% and 100% of your deposit back.

Smi1er

Really depends on your LL.

Personally after 7 years I'd expect to redecorate and recarpet. I would be asking you to fill and sand any holes:D