Reasonable wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that occurs to a property over time due to normal, everyday use, without negligence or intentional damage by the tenant. This concept is commonly used in rental agreements to distinguish between damage that tenants are responsible for and deterioration that is considered part of the normal use of the property. Landlords typically cannot charge tenants for repairs related to reasonable wear and tear, but they can charge for damages beyond that scope. Examples of reasonable wear and tear may include minor scuff marks on walls, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, or fading paint.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/reasonable-wear-and-tear/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Reasonable Wear And Tear. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. April 18, 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/reasonable-wear-and-tear/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Reasonable Wear And Tear. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/reasonable-wear-and-tear/ (accessed: April 18, 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Reasonable Wear And Tear. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/reasonable-wear-and-tear/
