A Guide To Wear & Tear For Crestview Landlords
Managing a Crestview rental property comes with it's own challenges, understanding the difference between normal wear and tear and tenant-caused property damage is essential. Not only does this knowledge protect you financially, but it also ensures you are following Florida law when making decisions about the tenant’s security deposit.
At Kuntz Property Group, we work with Crestview landlords every day who struggle with these distinctions. This guide breaks down what counts as wear and tear, what is considered damage, and why proper documentation is your best defense.
What Exactly Is Wear and Tear?
Wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration of a property that happens naturally over time when someone lives in a home. It is not the tenant’s fault. It is expected, normal, and unavoidable.
Typical wear and tear examples include:
Carpet That Needs Stretching
After two to three years of regular use, carpet may loosen or show slight rippling. Florida law typically recognizes this as normal wear.
Minor Marks or Scuffs on Walls
Daily living means furniture touches walls, kids brush past corners, and life leaves traces. Light scuffs and rub marks are not considered damage.
Small Nail Holes
Standard nail holes from hanging photos, artwork, or curtains fall under normal wear and tear and are not chargeable damage.
Small Nicks or Surface Scratches
Tiny dings and scratches on walls, doors, or floors occur naturally and are not considered negligence.
If the issue occurs naturally from normal, everyday living, it qualifies as wear and tear.
What Counts as Property Damage?
Property damage happens when a tenant negligently or intentionally causes harm to the home. In these cases, the landlord has the legal right to charge the tenant for repairs.
Examples of chargeable property damage include:
Large Holes Punched in the Wall
Anything bigger than small nail holes especially fist sized holes or impact damage counts as tenant caused damage.
Broken Appliances Caused by Misuse
If a tenant stands on a glass stove top and shatters it, this is not normal wear. The same applies if an appliance is broken due to forcing it, misusing it, or neglecting it.
Dog or Child Damage
Examples include pets damaging carpets or walls, dogs breaking blinds, or children flushing toys down toilets. These are considered tenant negligence.
Broken Cabinet Doors or Fixtures
If a cabinet door is ripped off due to rough handling or misuse, the tenant is responsible for the repair cost.
If the damage could have been avoided with normal care, the tenant is responsible.
The Most Important Part: Document Everything
No matter how clear the issue seems, landlords can only legally charge tenants when there is documented proof. This is where many Crestview landlords make costly mistakes.
To protect yourself, follow the three key steps below.
1. Conduct a Thorough Move In Inspection
A proper move in inspection should include:
Clear, timestamped photos
Notes about existing wear and tear
Videos walking through each room
Documentation of appliances, flooring, walls, and fixtures
This becomes your baseline evidence.
2. Perform a Mid Lease Check
At around the six month mark, it is smart to do a routine property check with proper notice. This helps you:
Identify issues early
Ensure the tenant is caring for the home
Prevent unnoticed damage
This step protects your investment long before move out day.
3. Do a Detailed Move Out Inspection
This inspection allows you to compare the tenant’s move out condition to the original move in report.
At this stage, you will be able to say:
This was already damaged when you moved in
This damage occurred during your tenancy and will be deducted from the security deposit
Without these comparisons, it becomes your word versus the tenant’s, and Florida tends to side with the tenant in unclear situations.
Click here to read our article on 3 reasons to complete inspections for your rental property.
Why Documentation Protects Crestview Landlords Legally
Under Florida law, landlords must send tenants written notice within 30 days if they plan to claim any portion of the security deposit for damages.
If the tenant disputes the charges, your photos, videos, and inspection reports become the deciding factor. Without documentation, landlords often lose the claim even when the damage is obvious.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Crestview Rental Property the Smart Way
Understanding wear and tear versus property damage is not just about fairness. It is about protecting your investment and staying compliant with Florida law.
By conducting thorough inspections, keeping detailed documentation, and knowing the difference between natural deterioration and tenant negligence, Crestview landlords can reduce conflict, recover repair costs legally, and maintain their rental property’s long term value.
Kuntz Property Group handles all inspections, documentation, and tenant communications for Crestview rental property owners. We ensure you stay compliant and protected.
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