PROPERTY INVENTORY GUIDES
Fair Wear and Tear: What an Inventory Report Can Show
Fair wear and tear is an important consideration when a property is reviewed at the end of a tenancy. The original Inventory & Check-In report, when compared with the Check-Out report, provides evidence of the property’s condition at the start and end of the tenancy and can help distinguish expected deterioration from other changes.
FAIR WEAR AND TEAR AT A GLANCE
What does fair wear and tear mean?
Fair wear and tear generally refers to the reasonable deterioration that can occur through normal use of a property over the course of a tenancy. The assessment depends on the circumstances, including the length of the tenancy, the condition recorded at the start and the nature of the item or surface being considered.
Expected deterioration
Everyday use can result in gradual signs of age and wear. The original Inventory & Check-In report helps show the condition that existed at the start of the tenancy.
Changes requiring review
Damage, excessive soiling or other significant changes may need closer consideration against the original Inventory & Check-In report. The Check-Out report provides evidence for that review but does not make the final decision on liability.
USING THE EVIDENCE
How an Inventory helps assess fair wear and tear
The original Inventory & Check-In report provides a dated record of the property’s condition, cleanliness, fixtures, fittings and contents at the start of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, the Check-Out report records the property as found and identifies relevant changes against that opening record.
This comparison can help show whether a condition was already present, whether an item has deteriorated gradually through normal use, or whether there has been a more significant change. The clerk may give a professional opinion where appropriate, but the Check-Out report does not make the final legal decision on responsibility or deposit deductions.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED
What can influence fair wear and tear?
There is no single rule that applies to every property or item. Fair wear and tear is considered in context, using the condition recorded in the original Inventory & Check-In report together with the observations made in the Check-Out report.
Length and use of the tenancy
The duration of the tenancy and the level of normal occupation can affect how much deterioration would reasonably be expected over time.
Age and original condition
The age, quality and condition of an item or surface at the start of the tenancy are important when considering whether later deterioration is consistent with normal use.
EVIDENCE IN THE REPORT
What can the report help show?
When compared with the original Inventory & Check-In report, the Check-Out report can provide useful evidence when the condition of the property is reviewed at the end of the tenancy.
Condition at the start
The original Inventory & Check-In report records the visible condition and cleanliness of the property at the start of the tenancy.
Changes at Check-Out
The Check-Out report records relevant differences observed at the end of the tenancy.
Photographic evidence
Photographs support the written descriptions and help show the condition of areas, items and surfaces recorded at the start and end of the tenancy.
Professional observations
Where appropriate, the clerk may give an opinion on whether a change appears consistent with fair wear and tear or may require further review.
REPORTING & RESPONSIBILITY
Does the report decide who is responsible?
The Check-Out report, when compared with the original Inventory & Check-In report, provides evidence of changes in the property’s condition between the start and end of the tenancy. Where appropriate, the clerk may also give a professional opinion on whether a change appears consistent with fair wear and tear or may indicate possible responsibility.
That opinion is not the final decision on liability or any deposit deduction. The landlord or managing agent will consider the Check-Out report alongside the tenancy agreement and other relevant evidence, with any disputed deduction remaining subject to the applicable deposit dispute process.
For more detail on the end-of-tenancy inspection, see our guide to what a Check-Out report includes.
Need a clear record at the end of a tenancy?
Dock Inventories provides professional Check-Out reports at the end of a tenancy, giving landlords and letting agents clear evidence to compare the property’s condition against the original Inventory & Check-In report.
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