Embedded Files
Disclaimer: The following list is to serve as a guide to "Reasonable Wear and Tear" vs "Damage". All unit conditions are subject to review and may not be included in this list. WA state and Seattle ordinances do not have a clear definition of "Reasonable Wear and Tear". Any disputes may be subject to Small Claims Court.
WALLS
Reasonable Wear and Tear (Landlord Responsibility)
-Faded, Discolored, Cracked, Sun Dyed Paint, Change of Color by Owner Request (Paint should last apx 10 years; may vary due to sun exposure)
-Discoloration from unit heater
-Drywall/Wall cracks from foundation shifts
Unit Damage/Negligence (Resident Responsibility)
*If damage was NOT noted on move in inspection, resident may be liable*
-Paint damage from hanging plants, furniture rubbing on walls
-Smoke damage from cigarettes, incense, candles, other substances
-Unapproved paint, wallpaper, drawings, crayon, or other markings
-Holes of any type: nails, accidents, mounting tvs/devices, etc.
-Negligent wall repair/paint (ex: toothpaste, lotion, wrong wall color)
CARPET/FLOORING
-Faded, worn (Carpet life expectancy apx 10 years)
-Holes, stains, burns, chipped, gouged, excessive scraps, dirty, odor
-Pet stains/damage
DOORS
-Warped/Sticking/Squeaking
-Old, worn hardware
-Broken handles & hinges
-Gouges, holes, writing, tape residue
KITCHEN
-Cabinet Hinge alignment
-Water filter replacement
-Dated Appliances (>10 years+)
-Cabinet Broken/Missing Handles
-Cabinet Broken shelves
-Broken Refrigerator shelves or drawers, dents
-Negligent damage to garbage disposal (utensils, glass, garbage)
-Water filter replacement if missing or damaged
-Exhaust filter
-Oven pan replacement
WINDOWS
-Moisture
-Discolored Blinds due to Sun/Age
-Brittle Blinds due to age
-Broken/Ripped Screens
-Broken glass or hinges
-Broken Blinds
BATHROOM
-Mold due to ventilation (that could not have been prevented by resident use of fan or window)
-Loose/aged grout
-Worn, scratched enamel on tubs & sinks, toilet
-Rust on shower rod or fixtures
-Mirror “de-silver”
-Broken toilet seat
-Broken fixtures
-Clogged sinks/drains (hair, food, wipes, etc)
-Broken towel bars/toilet paper holders
-Resident failure to use the ventilation system (mold addendum)
CLEANING
-None
-Return unit to move-in condition; deep cleaning required (baseboards, closets, patios/balconies, appliances, floors, bathrooms, etc.)
GENERAL/OTHER
-Long-life fluorescent tube lights or specialty lights
-Deteriorated porch/balcony/patio
-Heaters (Upgrade Needed)
-
-Light bulbs
-Outlet Covers: Broken
-Furniture, trash, unclaimed item disposal
-Missing Unit or Mail Keys
-Missing Garage/Parking fobs (if applicable)
-Other: exterior damage
(RCW 59.18.260) "If any moneys are paid to the landlord by the tenant as a deposit or as security for performance of the tenant's obligations in a lease or rental agreement, the lease or rental agreement shall be in writing and shall include the terms and conditions under which the deposit or portion thereof may be withheld by the landlord upon termination of the lease or rental agreement. If all or part of the deposit may be withheld to indemnify the landlord for damages to the premises for which the tenant is responsible, the rental agreement shall be in writing and shall so specify. No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises and furnishings, including, but not limited to, walls, floors, countertops, carpets, drapes, furniture, and appliances, is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy. The checklist or statement shall be signed and dated by the landlord and the tenant, and the tenant shall be provided with a copy of the signed checklist or statement. No such deposit shall be withheld on account of normal wear and tear resulting from ordinary use of the premises. The tenant has the right to request one free replacement copy of the written checklist. If the landlord collects a deposit without providing a written checklist at the commencement of the tenancy, the landlord is liable to the tenant for the amount of the deposit, and the prevailing party may recover court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. This section does not limit the tenant's right to recover moneys paid as damages or security under RCW 59.18.280
Page updated
Report abuse