The Owner has rendered their property to the Resident for their utilization. By accepting the property the resident is responsible for returning the unit to the condition it was in at the beginning of their tenancy, minus normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear is essentially the deterioration of an item that occurs under normal conditions. Damage occurs from accidents or unreasonable use. Even unintentional accidents or intentional alterations to the premises can be considered damages.

What is Considered Normal Wear & Tear?
(Not limited to the following - refer to rental lease agreement)  

• Faded paint or discolored walls. 
• Old, worn carpet upon move in or furniture marks in carpet. The natural wearing of carpet or drapes because of normal use or aging.
• Worn hinges on doors or locks. Hole or ding in wall from missing door stop. 
• Plumbing and pipes problems, unless caused by resident. Central drain problems, not caused by incorrect disposal of items. 
• Dirty Blinds - as in dusty and general dust throughout the property.
• Faded" curtains that were in the unit when you came. However, to remove curtains that you placed and did not remove, you may be charged.
• Bulbs that went out in the refrigerator.

Items To Be Considered As Damage
(Not limited to the following - refer to rental lease agreement)  

• Holes in wall from hanging pictures, large gouges and removal of decals on the walls.
• Tears in carpet, animal stains, burn marks - iron, cigar, cigarette, ground in stains.
• Broken kitchen and bathroom faucets.
• Doors with holes, missing knobs or off hinges. Doors or windows broken.
• Missing or broken kitchen and bathroom drawers and doors.
• Front/Back Entry door locks broken.
• Clogged drains caused by tenant use of sinks, toilets or drains. Disposal of feminine products should be in the trash, not the toilet.
• Broken or missing blinds or curtains. If they were there when you moved in, they must be there when you leave. 
• Eliminating property infestations, smoke damage from smoking or burning candles. 
• Broken shelves in a refrigerator. Excessive dirt/dust in the refrigerator vents. 
• Excessive dirt or filth in an oven or refrigerator. Defrost the refrigerator if not frost-free. 
• Excessive bathroom dirt and/or mildew.