Managing a tenant’s security deposit and deciding whether it should be returned upon the end of a lease is a significant responsibility that needs to be handled thoughtfully and delicately. The condition of the property and final inspection report should be the deciding factors, but these situations aren’t always black and white and can bring up some questions. Take these points into consideration to avoid unwanted conflicts.
Wear and Tear: What’s Normal?
- Flooring: discolored, worn, or flat carpet; scuffed wood floors; worn vinyl flooring
- Walls: faded wallpaper; scuffed or faded paint; small cracks, dents, chips, scrapes, or nail holes in the walls
- Bathrooms: loose tiles and grouting; leaking toilets; scratched enamel; rusty shower drain and rod
- Interior Doors sticking from humidity; not closing properly; loose hinges and handles
- Kitchen: grease in the stove hood; rust in the oven; worn or scuffed countertops; slightly warped cabinet doors
- Lamp and window shades: faded, dirty, or dusty
- Appliances: worn due to regular use
- Mold due to improper ventilation
Life Expectancy of Home Components
In the case of damage to an item that requires replacement, you may think that you’d charge the tenant the full price of said item. However, this is not the case, unless the item was brand new when it was damaged. The amount charged must be adjusted based on the item’s age and life expectancy. The Department of Housing and Urban development lists the life expectancies of various items that you may need to replace:
- Hot water heaters: 10 years
- Air conditioning units: 10 years
- Interior paint, enamel: 5 years
- Interior paint, flat: 3 years
- Plush carpeting: 5 years
- Tile or linoleum flooring: 5 years
- Ranges: 20 years
- Refrigerators: 10 years
- Window shades, blinds, and screens: 3 years
Examples of True Property Damage
- Burns, stains, or holes in the carpet
- Water stains on windowsills and wood floors
- Cracked mirrors
- Large holes in the walls
- Unapproved wallpaper or paint colors
- Mold or mildew left in the kitchen or bathroom
- Damage to appliances caused by neglect or abuse
- Broken windows or doors
- Cracked or missing floor tiles
- Gouged or chipped wood floors
Some homeowners prefer not to deal with renters and security deposits. Call Locklear Management to have a responsible property management company handle things for you: (904) 431-0204.
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