What Counts as Fair Wear and Tear in Rental Properties? Ep. 29

Welcome back to the All Things Property Podcast with Simon Bacon and Ian Sadler. In this episode, we dive into one of the most debated issues in property management: fair wear and tear.

Is it just the natural ageing of a property, or does it cross the line into damage for which a tenant is liable?

Simon Bacon and Ian Sadler break down their own definitions, explore what landlords can reasonably expect to deduct from deposits, and share real-world examples of carpets, paintwork, and those tricky grey areas in between.

Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, or property investor, this episode gives you the honest, practical guidance you need to navigate deposit disputes and set clear expectations, from move-in to move-out.

Chapters

00:00 Explaining fair wear and tear

04:23 Dealing with carpet damage costs

06:29 Understanding fair wear and tear

09:41 Discussing deposit disputes

14:12 Wrap-up on tenant move-out issues