What is fair wear and tear in a rental property?

Understanding what landlords can (and can't) claim from a tenant’s deposit

By Simran Prasad

Oct 13, 2025, 1:51 PM IST

What counts as fair wear and tear?

Minor damage from normal use – like scuffs on walls, worn carpets or loose handles – is not deductible from a tenant’s deposit

What’s classed as damage?

Burn marks, broken windows, missing items or stains from negligence can be claimed as damage – these are not wear and tear

The cleaning debate

Tenants must clean to a professional standard at the end of tenancy – basic domestic cleans may not be enough and can lead to deductions

Tenancy agreement matters

Clear clauses help avoid confusion – from blocked drains to pet rules, ensure obligations are documented and agreed

Calculating deductions fairly

Landlords can’t profit from replacements – depreciation is factored in. A £500 carpet used for 2 out of 5 years? Only £300 can be claimed

Why inventories are essential

A signed check-in inventory with photos is key to proving wear vs damage – it protects both landlords and tenants

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