The difference between malicious damage and fair wear and tear
What a landlord considers to be ‘damage’ may actually be classed as ‘fair wear and tear'
What a landlord considers to be ‘damage’ may actually be classed as ‘fair wear and tear’. When tenants occupy a property over a long period of time things inevitably wear - walls get stained and scratched, colours fade and carpets become worn.
This is known as wear and tear, and cannot reasonably be avoided. So, fair wear and tear is something the landlord needs to allow for, as part of the business of running rental properties.
And of course, the longer the tenancy, or the more tenants there are in the property, the greater the wear and tear you can expect.
For more guidance read mydeposits guides, ‘Fair wear and tear – what is it and how is it applied?’ and ‘A guide to the life expectancy of rental property products’.
It is so important to take care when selecting your tenants, doing all the due diligence that you can.
But, no matter how meticulous you are - referencing tenants and communicating with them regularly, making sure the property is safe, warm and in good repair, and carrying out regular inspections while also giving your tenants privacy - some will become disgruntled, resentful and destructive.
While thankfully these tenants are in the minority, their actions against your property could cost you thousands to put right.
And you can’t possibly predict a random act of vandalism by a third party. That’s why you need a good landlord insurance policy that includes cover for malicious damage.
