Normal Wear and Tear in Texas Rentals: 3 Big Factors to Know

It’s critical for tenants and landlords alike to grasp what qualifies as normal wear and tear. Oftentimes, they have some misunderstandings of what it can constitute, especially when it’s time to address maintenance or get their security deposit back. Unfortunately, this can cause unneeded disputes or even legal compliance issues. To prevent that, we’ll delve into what counts as normal wear and tear in Texas rentals, how it’s different from property damages, and why everyone should know what separates each from one another. Read below to learn more.

What Is Normal Wear and Tear in Texas? 

In Texas, “normal wear and tear” refers to the ways that a rental property naturally deteriorates from use. As experts in property services of San Antonio, we know this includes common, minor changes like minor wall scuffs or faded paint. Such shifts are bound to happen as a property ages or deteriorates, so they’re generally considered “normal.” As such, according to Texas law, landlords can’t deduct normal wear and tear from a tenant’s security deposit. If they did, they could get into legal hot water. 

However, when tenants’ damage gets to a certain level, it goes beyond what’s considered “normal and expected.” It gets into touchy territory when tenants, their household members, or guests have damaged the property or its belongings. More specifically, they can get into treacherous territory when they cause damage through negligence, carelessness, or accidents. When this occurs, landlords can deduct the damage’s costs from the tenant’s security deposit. 

Landlords should evaluate properties with “normal wear and tear” in mind, always making sure to not accidentally penalizing tenants for changes that fall under this umbrella. Tenants, on the other hand, should be mindful of their responsibilities to maintain the property and avoid excessive damages. This way, each party stays considerate of the other, avoids disputes, and maintains a good-faith relationship. 

Examples of Normal Wear and Tear in a Rental Property 

Naturally, rental properties go through changes as they age and go through regular use. For landlords, this is a given. So, without further ado, here are some examples of expected normal wear and tear: 

• Paint: Fading, peeling, or scuffs on walls from regular use. 
• Walls: Minor scratches, dents, or small nail holes from hanging pictures. 
• Carpet: Worn areas or light stains from everyday foot traffic. 
• Floors: Light scratches or dulling on hardwood surfaces. 
• Doors: Loose or worn handles or minor sticking due to age. 
• Plumbing: Partially clogged sinks caused by aging pipes or regular mineral buildup. 
• Grout: Dirty or slightly loose grout in bathroom tiles. 
• Hardware: Loose cabinet handles or worn finishes on drawer pulls. 
• Fixtures: Rusty shower rods or light discoloration of sink enamel. 
• Lighting: Faded or dusty lampshades from extended use. 

As long as a list as this seems, it doesn’t cover every kind of “normal wear and tear” that could ever possibly happen. As a general rule of thumb, if a change to the property seems mild enough and happens for a reasonable enough reason, it may count as “normal wear and tear.” If it does, it’s one of the main issues landlords are responsible for. 

Damage vs. Normal Wear and Tear 

Sifting out the difference between damage and normal wear and tear often lies in understanding the issue’s source and severity. Essentially, normal wear and tear typically involves changes that happen naturally over time, while outright damage results from actions that go beyond the pale–beyond regular use.

Normal Wear and Tear	Damage
Paint fades from sunlight	Paint is painted over without prior approval.
Foot traffic gradually causes light scuffs on the hardwood	Tenants actively drag the furniture on the floor and causes deep gouges on the hardwood floor
Carpet wears out due to high, frequent traffic	Carpet burns or severely stains due to tenant misuse
Door handle loosens over time from frequent use	Tenant breaks or removes the door handles

As a best practice, landlords should document these signs in their inspections, especially before move-in. This way, they can compare the property’s condition before vs. after the tenant is settled in. They can track how suddenly and severely the property condition changes over time, objectively, without relying on their fuzzy memories.

With documentation, tenants also benefit: they can hold demonstratable proof that damages weren’t their fault. After all, photos speak louder than any words could. All in all, it makes sure that each party is working with the facts, not their feelings.

How Can Bay Property Management Group Can Help 

Separating normal wear and tear from tenant-caused damage can be challenging for landlords and tenants alike. To minimize any confusion, it’s critical that landlords and tenants create clear expectations from the jump, keep property conditions well-documented from move-in to move-out, and follow Texas laws to the letter. Sounds easy, right? It may sound simple enough on paper but putting it in practice is a whole other matter.

At Bay Property Management Group, we bridge the gap between landlords and tenants in these situations. Whether you need a team of professionals to handle inspections, settle disputes, ensure security deposit deductions are lawful, deal with maintenance and repairs, or solve other problems, we are here to help. And we don’t just work through those situations. In addition to that, we also oversee rent collection, tenant screenings, property marketing, rental accounting, and more. 

Whether you’re a landlord seeking professional support or a tenant looking for a hassle-free rental experience, Bay Property Management Group is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!