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Maintenance, defects & expense allocation

Reasonable Wear and Tear

The natural physical deterioration of an apartment and its equipment resulting from ordinary, everyday use over time, without fault or neglect by the tenant.

Reasonable wear and tear includes faded paint, minor floor scuffs, and the natural breakdown of rubber seals over time. Under the Fair Rental Law, tenants are not liable for repairing normal wear, and landlords may not withhold security deposit funds to fix standard age-related wear.

Different components of a rental unit have distinct operational lifespans: interior paint typically wears out every 3 to 5 years, while faucets and plumbing fixtures last up to 10 years. Calculating fair wear takes into account the item's age at lease commencement and calculates proportional cost across its expected service life.

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The information in this glossary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. In the event of a dispute or a specific legal question, consult an attorney specializing in tenancy law.

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