Normal Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear is the damage that occurs naturally due to the passage of time. Depreciation of furnishings and appliances is expected over time due to frequent usage. You can’t entirely assign the resulting damages to the tenant. To do so would be unlawful. Hence, the landlord needs to take time-induced wear and tear into account before deducting for damages.

The landlord legally cannot keep the resident's security or damage deposit to pay to repair "normal wear and tear." (RCW 59.18.280.)

The landlord can deduct the cost of fixing damages that are beyond "normal wear and tear." Detailed in the list below.

Normal Wear and Tear

• Fading, peeling, or cracked paint

• Slightly torn or faded wallpaper

• Small chips in plaster

• Nail holes, pinholes, or cracks in the wall

• Wall damage from no door stopper

• Door sticking from humidity

• Cracked window pane from faulty foundation or building settling

• Floors needing a coat of varnish

• Carpet faded or worn thin from walking

• Loose grouting and bathroom tiles

• Worn or scratched enamel in old bathtubs, sinks, or toilets

• Rusty shower rod

• Partially clogged sinks caused by aging pipes

• Dirty or faded lamps or window shades

• Window blind string is broken

• Automatic retractable or pulldown window blinds stop functioning

• Function of the house, such as lock, electric outlet, and appliances without negligence or intentional damage

• Toilet paper holder, towel bars, and toilet seat becoming lose

• Garage door function (spring is broken)

• Gutter, roof, siding condition

• Moss in the grass or small patches of dead grass that is out of the resident's control

• Moss growing outside of the house (e.g. walkways, deck)

• Fence and gates normal deterioration

• Cleanness of the exterior of the window unless it is the tenant's responsibility

Resident Damage

• Lightbulbs that do not work anymore (Only normal lightbulbs)

• Gaping holes in walls or plaster

• Drawings, crayon markings, or wallpaper that the owner did not approve

• Seriously damaged or ruined wallpaper

• Chipped or gouged wood floors

• Doors ripped off hinges

• Broken windows

• Missing fixtures

• Holes in the ceiling from removed fixtures

• Holes, stains, or burns on carpet

• Missing or cracked bathroom tiles

• Chipped and broken enamel in bathtubs and sinks

• Clogged or damaged toilet from improper use

• Missing or bent shower rods

• Torn, stained, or missing lamp and window shades

• Missing items from the move-in inspection

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