What is fair wear and tear and how should it be handled when returning a security deposit?

• A. Normal wear and tear refers to routine, expected aging; deductions are only for actual damage beyond normal wear, documented with move-out inspection and photos.
• B. Every scuff is deductible.
• C. All wear is the landlord's expense.
• D. Move-out inspections are optional.

Answer: (A)

Fair wear and tear means the normal, expected decline in a rental unit from everyday use over time, not damage from negligence or misuse. When returning a security deposit, you should compare the unit’s condition to what would be expected from normal use, and only deduct for damage beyond that level. Document any deductions with a move-out inspection and photos (and keep receipts for repairs). Having the tenant present during the inspection helps distinguish wear from damage, and providing an itemized statement supports transparency and accountability. This is why the best approach is to recognize normal wear, deduct only actual damage beyond that, and base the process on documented evidence. Avoid treating minor scuffs as deductible, as all wear isn’t the landlord’s expense, and move-out inspections aren’t optional in proper practice.