WHAT IS FAIR WEAR AND TEAR
During the period of renting your home or investment property, you need to
keep in mind the term Fair Wear and Tear. It's not often that a tenant will maintain
a property as well as the homeowner.
Any home, whether occupied by the owner or tenant, regardless of how
meticulous they are in maintaining the property, cannot escape "normal wear and
tear." This principal underlies the inclusion in all lease agreements of the "normal
wear and tear" exception.
Based upon the perspective of professionals in the property management industry
some examples of normal wear and tear are:
1. Scuff marks on walls, trim, woodwork, flooring and doors
2. Minor scratches and dings on appliances
3. Overgrown trees and large shrubs
4. Minor stains and visible wear and tear on carpeting in traffic areas
5. Picture hangers (hooks, small nails, molly or other anchors)
6. Deterioration/staining of caulking (kitchen and baths)
7. Loose fixtures (towel bars, toilet paper holders etc) & loose door knobs/locks
One of the goals of HPE Property Management is to protect and preserve your
property in a condition that represents how you left it, taking into account fair wear
and tear.
We complete detailed inspection reports after the owner leaves, prior to the
tenant moving in, and again after each tenant vacates. We use these reports as the
basis to determine damages. Two examples of fair wear and tear are: a window
screen that has a fray from age or a hole from a tree limb. A large red stain on the
living room carpet that was not present prior to the tenant's occupancy; however, is
considered damage. We also inspect your property approximately every 6 months
to keep you apprised of the current condition.
It is important for you, the homeowner, to avoid unreasonable expectations
about the continuing condition of your property when placed in the care of a
tenant. When we report to you the condition of your property during the course of
a lease term, please don't be alarmed about "normal wear and tear". When the
tenant vacates we often prepare a list of items that are considered fair wear and tear
as well as items that could use updating to keep your home attractive for rental
purposes.
Lawn and shrubs are another concern about the property
full lawn care be aware that most tenants will not maintain the yard as well as the
homeowner. Tenants are not required to mulch or provide chemical treatments for
fertilizing, weed or insect control. Lawns and shrubs take quite a bit of time to
restore. We recommend that you consider putting in place a program that will
provide 4-6 treatments per year for fertilization, weed and pest control and possibly
lime and aeration. Additionally, you should consider an annual cleanup to mulch,
edge beds, pruning and shrub feeding.
If you have not seen your property in two or more years, we recommend you plan a
visit. Check the IRS regulations for possible tax reductions for visiting your
property. Keep in mind that not all tenants keep the property looking like the cover
of Good Housekeeping.
Please remember, fair/normal wear and tear happens to all properties. Carpet,
flooring, paint (interior and exterior) appliances, and roofs all deteriorate/age and
require periodic maintenance and replacement.
You will be receiving thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in rental income.
The more consideration you give to upkeep of the property, the more appealing the
property is to new tenants and in retaining current tenants.
"We REALLY do appreciate all your referrals"
Joseph Holbrook
HPE Property Management / Keller Williams Realty Reston
Property Manager & Agent
http://www.hpepropertymanagement.com/
http://www.restonhomepage.com
Phone (703) 651-9169
Fax: (703) 651-9170
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