Fair Wear and Tear: 25 Examples Landlords Can't Charge For (UK)
Fair wear and tear is the normal decline in a property from everyday living. Landlords can't deduct money from your deposit for it. They can only claim for damage beyond fair wear and tear, and they need evidence.
What adjudicators consider
Deposit scheme adjudicators look at:
- the condition at the start (the check-in inventory and photos)
- the length of the tenancy – more wear is expected after 5 years than after 6 months
- the number and type of occupants – a family wears a home faster than one person
- the age and quality of the item – a cheap 8-year-old carpet has little value left
25 examples of fair wear and tear
| Usually fair wear and tear | Usually damage |
| Faded paint or wallpaper from sunlight | Large scuffs, crayon or pen on walls |
| Light scuffs where furniture touched walls | Holes from nails or screws (unless allowed) |
| A few small picture-hook holes | Large holes or torn plaster |
| Carpet flattened in walkways | Burns, rips or large stains |
| Light fading of carpets and curtains | Pet damage to carpets or doors |
| Loose door handles or hinges after years of use | Broken doors or handles from force |
| Worn kitchen worktop edges | Deep cuts or burns on worktops |
| Limescale on taps after normal use (with cleaning) | Taps snapped or seals torn |
| Minor marks on doors and skirting | Gouges and chips in woodwork |
| Slightly worn sofa or mattress after years | Tears, stains or broken frames |
| Small grout discolouring after long tenancies | Mould caused by blocked vents or no airing |
| Loose tiles from age | Cracked tiles from impact |
| Curtains faded by sun | Curtains torn or missing |
Cleaning is different. If the property was professionally clean at the start and is left dirty, a reasonable cleaning cost can usually be claimed. Your check-in photos are what prove how clean it was.
No "new for old"
Even when there *is* damage, a landlord shouldn't end up better off. If a carpet that was 7 years old with a 10-year lifespan is ruined, the fair claim is a share of the cost, not a brand-new carpet. Try our free Deposit Deduction Calculator to estimate a fair amount.
How to protect yourself
- On move-in day, photograph every wall, floor, door and appliance, plus close-ups of any marks.
- Send the photos to your landlord or agent the same day and keep their reply.
- At move-out, retake each photo from the same spot.
Move-In Shield does this for you on your phone: dated photos, a verifiable PDF and a before-and-after comparison. It's free to try.
Questions
*General information, not legal advice.*
Can a landlord charge for repainting after a long tenancy?
Usually not in full. Paint typically lasts 3–5 years, so after a long tenancy repainting is normally the landlord's cost. They may claim a share if there is clear damage beyond normal use.
Who has to prove the damage?
In a deposit dispute, the landlord must show that a deduction is justified. That's why a dated check-in inventory with photos matters so much for both sides.
Is this the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
The principle of fair wear and tear applies across the UK, but the deposit schemes and some rules differ. Check your own scheme's guidance.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always check the official GOV.UK guidance before you act.