The Wear and Tear Claim That Cost the Tenant their Bond

An exit inspection at a relatively new property revealed damage that a tenant believed was simply “reasonable wear and tear.” Fortunately, our property manager identified the issue, stood firm on the owner’s behalf, and ensured the repair costs were paid by the tenant rather than the property owner.

The Issue
At the end of a tenancy, our property manager Fraser carried out a final inspection of a relatively new rental property in Timberlea, Upper Hutt.

During the inspection, he identified several paint chips on walls in areas that would not normally experience regular wear and tear. He also found stains on a kitchen benchtop that could not be removed through normal cleaning.

When these issues were raised with the tenant, they maintained that the damage was simply “reasonable wear and tear” and therefore not their responsibility.

What We Found
While some deterioration is expected during any tenancy, not all damage can be classified as reasonable wear and tear.

In this case, the property was relatively new and the damage observed was inconsistent with normal day-to-day use. The paint chips were located in non-high-traffic areas where accidental impacts would be unlikely, and the benchtop staining was beyond what would reasonably be expected from ordinary living.

Based on the condition of the property and the nature of the damage, we believed the issues were the result of tenant carelessness rather than normal use.

The Solution
We discussed the matter with the tenant and explained why the damage did not meet the definition of reasonable wear and tear.

After negotiation, agreement was reached for the tenant to contribute towards the repair costs, with the amount deducted from their bond.

The repairs were completed, restoring the property’s condition without the owner having to cover the expense.

Why This Matters for Owners
One of the most important responsibilities of a property manager is understanding the difference between genuine wear and tear and tenant-caused damage.

Had the damage not been identified during the exit inspection, or had we simply accepted the tenant’s interpretation of their responsibilities, the repair costs would likely have fallen on the property owner.

Thorough inspections, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of tenancy obligations help protect landlords from unnecessary costs and ensure tenants remain accountable for damage they cause.

At Manage My Rental, our property management team regularly identifies issues like this during routine and exit inspections across Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua.  This situation serves as a reminder that not every mark, stain, or chip should automatically be written off as wear and tear. Knowing where responsibility lies can make a significant difference to an owner’s investment returns over time.

If you require property management in Porirua, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Northern Suburbs or Wellington, please don’t hesitate to contact us.