Deposit-related disputes very often turn on this exact question: was the damage in the property normal wear and tear (which a landlord cannot charge for), or damage beyond that standard (which can justify a deposit deduction or a claim)?
How It's Assessed
- The property's age and condition at the start of the tenancy versus the end — a pre-tenancy inventory/condition report is the single strongest piece of evidence either side can bring
- Length of tenancy is relevant: reasonable fading, minor scuffs, and worn carpets over a multi-year tenancy are expected wear and tear
- Actual damage — holes in walls, broken fixtures, stains beyond normal use — is not wear and tear
- Landlords must provide receipts or fair repair-cost estimates to support a deduction claim, not an arbitrary figure
Practical takeaway: Photograph the property (dated) at both the start and end of every tenancy. Without a documented "before" state, it's very difficult to prove damage exceeds normal wear and tear.