NRLA deposit protection provider, mydeposits, has previously shared two guides, one about property inventories and a follow up on the importance of photographic evidence. It’s vital that a landlord has a comprehensive inventory with supporting photographs or videos at both the start and end of the tenancy. These will show the extent of any deterioration and whether it is reasonable ‘wear and tear’ or beyond what is reasonable and amounts to damage.
Wear and tear is an established principle, accepted by the majority, but some landlords are confused when it comes to understanding how it differs from wilful or negligent damage caused by the tenant and how to apply it when proposing costs at the end of the tenancy.