✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Minor scuffs, small nail holes from picture hanging

• Fading or minor discoloration from age/sunlight

• Peeling paint due to normal aging

• Minor cracks in walls from settling

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Large holes, excessive marks, or dents

• Unauthorized paint colors or murals

• Damage from stickers, tape, or adhesive hooks

• Writing, crayon, or graffiti

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Minor scratches on hardwood from normal use

• Carpet flattening or light discoloration from foot traffic

• Loose tiles or grout deterioration over time

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Stains from food, drinks, pets, or neglect

• Burns, tears, or rips in carpets

• Deep gouges or excessive scratches on hardwood

• Missing or broken tiles due to impact

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Loose doorknobs or minor squeaks

• Normal weathering of window sills

• Aging or slight warping of wooden doors

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Broken doorframes, kicked-in doors

• Cracked or shattered windows

• Missing or bent door handles/locks due to force

• Holes in doors from slamming or improper use

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Minor scratches or discoloration on countertops

• Slow drain due to normal buildup

• Aging or worn-out appliance components (fridge motor, oven elements, etc.)

• Faded stovetop due to normal cooking use

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Burn marks, deep scratches, or gouges on countertops

• Broken or missing stove knobs, refrigerator shelves, or dishwasher racks

• Grease buildup in oven/stovetop from neglect

• Broken cabinets or drawers from improper use

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Faded or aging grout/caulking

• Minor rusting on fixtures from water exposure

• Slow-filling toilet due to wear on internal parts

• Minor discoloration of sink or tub over time

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Mold buildup from improper ventilation

• Clogged toilets/sinks from misuse (e.g., flushing non-flushable items)

• Cracks in sinks, toilets, or bathtubs from impact

• Missing or broken toilet seats, towel racks, or fixtures

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Aging or slow-working HVAC system

• Worn-out thermostat buttons over time

• Fading light switch covers

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Missing or damaged light fixtures

• Broken electrical outlets from overuse/misuse

• Clogged HVAC filters due to lack of maintenance (if tenant is responsible for changing filters)

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Loose shelves due to age

• Stiff or slightly misaligned closet doors from settling

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Broken or missing closet doors from force

• Removed or broken shelving units

• Large scuffs, marks, or stickers inside closets

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Fading of garage door paint

• Minor oil stains on the driveway from car leaks

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Large cracks or tire burnout marks from reckless driving

• Dents or holes in garage doors from improper use

• Excessive oil or fluid stains from neglected vehicle leaks

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Natural fading of patio stones or decking

• Growth of minor weeds between pavement cracks

• General soil compaction from normal use

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Dead grass from lack of watering (if tenant is responsible for lawn care)

• Broken or missing fencing from impact/damage

• Unapproved landscaping changes (e.g., digging up garden beds, removing plants)

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Slight musty smell from natural dampness

• Aging or rusting of exposed pipes over time

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Water damage from improper use (e.g., tenant flooding from leaving a tap running)

• Blocked drains due to flushing inappropriate items

• Stored hazardous materials without permission

✅ Wear & Tear (Landlord Responsibility):

• Minor dust buildup over time

• Light grease on kitchen walls near stove

❌ Tenant Damage (Tenant Responsibility):

• Excessive dirt, trash, or food debris left behind

• Heavy grease buildup in kitchen that requires deep cleaning

• Infestation due to tenant neglect (pest control needed for hygiene issues)

📌 Tenant Should:

• Report damages immediately to prevent escalation.

• Follow lease agreements for maintenance (e.g., regular cleaning, changing HVAC filters, avoiding misuse).

📌 Landlord Should:

• Conduct regular inspections (move-in/move-out, annual checks) to differentiate between wear & tear vs. damage.

• Clearly outline responsibilities in the lease agreement.