What are Normal Tenant Responsibilities and
Repairs a Renter Needs to Fix Before Moving Out?

Maintaining a comfortable home should be a priority for everyone.  For tenants renting someone else’s property, however, home care and cleaning responsibilities carry added importance, especially when preparing to move out.

Tenants are expected to care for their living space just as a homeowner would. The difference is that while a homeowner can choose which upgrades or repairs to make, a tenant may be required to return the property to its original condition at the end of the lease.

Painting, Alterations, and Wear and Tear

There are certain costs landlords cannot pass on to tenants.  One common example is repainting walls due to normal aging.  Over time, paint naturally fades or becomes dull, and this is considered normal wear and tear, not tenant damage.  However, there are exceptions:

  • If tenants were given permission to paint or personalize the home, they may be required to restore the original colors before moving out.
  • If walls are damaged (holes, stains, unauthorized paint, or poor workmanship), tenants may be responsible for repairs and repainting.

Tenants should never make permanent alterations to walls or other parts of the home without written approval from the property owner.  Unauthorized changes may need to be repaired or reversed at the tenant’s expense.

Security Deposits and Damage Responsibility

One of the most common reasons for deductions from a security deposit is damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.  This can include excessive damage to:

  • Walls and ceilings;
  • Floors and carpets;
  • Windows and doors;
  • Countertops, fixtures, and appliances.

Routine wear from everyday use is expected.  For example, an appliance such as a clothes dryer may eventually fail due to age and normal operation.  In these cases, repair or replacement is typically the landlord’s responsibility.

However, if an appliance or fixture is damaged due to tenant misuse, neglect, or accidental damage, the tenant may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.  Contractors in Our Homeowner Concierge Repair Service program can usually determine the cause of an issue.  Examples of tenant-caused damage that may result in charges include:

  • Burnt or heavily scratched flooring or carpeting;
  • Chipped or broken countertops;
  • Stained or damaged furniture;
  • Broken fixtures caused by misuse.

Tenants may find it helpful to obtain repair estimates before moving out to better understand potential costs and avoid surprises.  Understanding these responsibilities can help tenants protect their security deposit and ensure a smooth move-out process.

Property Damage Caused by Pets

Damage caused by pets is the responsibility of the tenant.  Replacing or repairing furniture, flooring, or other features of the home that are damaged by dogs or cats may be necessary.  Common examples of pet-related damage include:

  • Chewed banisters or trim;
  • Scratched doors or floors;
  • Stained or soiled carpets, furniture, or flooring.

If you have pets, taking proactive steps to prevent damage is essential.  Using furniture covers, installing barriers to limit access to certain areas of the home, and investing in proper pet training can significantly reduce potential repair costs.  Preventing pet-related damage not only protects the property but can also help minimize out-of-pocket expenses and avoid deductions from your security deposit when you decide to move out.

Damage from Tenant
Installations in the Property

Tenants are responsible for returning any alterations they make to the property to their original condition.  While personalizing a rental may feel like making it your own, certain changes can create repair obligations at move-out.

For example, painting a mural or accent wall is a significant alteration and will need to be painted over.  Likewise, shelves or other fixtures that are screwed into walls will require holes to be properly repaired.

Tenants may choose to complete these repairs themselves or allow the landlord to handle them.  In either case, the cost of restoration will typically be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.  Tenants should be aware, however, that self-made repairs may not always meet professional standards.  If additional work is required to correct or improve a tenant’s repair, the tenant may still be responsible for the cost.  In these situations, exercising caution, or consulting with the landlord in advance, is often the best approach.

Understanding the Purpose
of the Security Deposit

The security deposit is intended to protect both the tenant and the landlord.  It is paid by the tenant and held in an escrow account as a financial safeguard in the event repairs are needed at the end of the tenancy.  This arrangement allows landlords to address necessary repairs promptly, while also sparing tenants from having to pay large repair costs out of pocket at move-out.

Documentation and
Communication Matter

Tenants are strongly encouraged to document the condition of the property and notify the landlord or property manager of any defects or existing damage at the start of the lease.  No property is perfect, and some issues are expected.  Taking the time to record them upfront can make the move-out process far smoother and help prevent disputes later.

As part of our role as property managers, we thoroughly document the condition of the home before a tenant moves in.  We also provide tenants with a Move-Out Check List outlining their responsibilities for returning the property in acceptable condition.