What Is Normal Wear And Tear On Hardwood Floors

Normal wear and tear is often as nebulous as supreme court justice potter stewart s famous remark.

What is normal wear and tear on hardwood floors.

Water stains on floors that have accumulated from negligence. For example the windows might have often been left open during heavy rain. It s a bit of both really. 2nd is a stain penetrated the surface about 8 inches long.

The average useful life of tile is 25 years. But that excuse wouldn t hold up in your local landlord tenant court. Fading of such flooring due to sunlight exposure is normal wear and tear as would light surface scratches. We had a floor mat down under an office desk but it looks like some dirt must have gotten under the edge over time so you can clearly see an outline of a big rectangular mat in one corner of the room.

For example some cases have stated that two or three years is the normal lifespan for a coat of paint and tenants may only be charged accordingly. It s not caused by neglect or abuse of the property. So in my opinion if it s just wear from traffic with bare feet especially and not cleats it s normal wear and tear. The damaged areas include.

Normal wear and tear is damage that naturally occurs in an investment property due to aging. Hardwood floors wear and tear. This is normal wear and tear do nothing what counts as normal here. It looks pretty bad but it s partially because of the color contrast.

Some darker patches that have lost their finish. Some parts of the hardwood are completely missing. Normal wear and tear is what happens when someone uses something for it s intended purpose in a normal way. Pet stains holes and burns are not going to be considered normal wear and tear.

Hardwood floors damage. I have a tenant who is claiming normal wear and tear on brand new hardwood floors. Other signs of everyday wear and tear are worn electrical switches frayed pull strings on blinds loose hinges on doors lightly scuffed hardwood floors worn linoleum loose wallpaper faded. With hardwood floors the same applies.

Is there a more accurate way to know what is considered normal wear and tear. Worn or scuffed floors in areas with lots of traffic can be expected but deep gouges or extensive scratches are not normal wear and tear. 1 hole broken the surface and finish which she had placed putty to cover up the size of dime. However deeply scratched hardwood floors or pieces of the hardwood missing would be considered tenant damage.

Wear and tear is often used to describe worn carpets and flooring and painting on walls. It s normal for people to put their feet down in front of their couch and to walk around on their floor. What is considered normal wear and tear vs. Steam cleaning will generally bring carpet back into decent shape.

But the courts define it as normal usage. There is no statutory definition of wear and tear. I ll know it when i see it.