As a host, an important item to consider is what is reasonable wear and tear on a short-term rental. You need to define what reasonable wear and tear is to both protect your investment and maintain a positive relationship with your guests. Basically, wear and tear is the unavoidable deterioration of your property as time passes. It doesn’t mean something is particularly wrong with the property, but rather that it’s been lived-in and well-loved by guests. Think of it like your favorite pair of jeans. They fit great, but they’re not quite as vivid as they were when you first grabbed them off of the rack. Learning to distinguish what wear and tear is from actual damage caused by guests will help you keep your ship running smoothly.

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What is normal wear and tear?

Like humans, as your property gets older, it may slow down and not be as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as it once was. Below are a few examples of classic, reasonable wear and tear on a short-term rental:

• Scuff marks on walls from luggage or furniture moving about.
• Light scratches or fading on hardwood floors.
• Frayed edges of rugs caused by folks walking around.
• A little discoloration or fading of paint due to sunlight.
• Stains or smudges on appliances.
• Loosening of hardware or fixtures because they’ve been used a lot.

The above issues are typically ones that are just part of hosting, and not a reason to deduct funds from a guest’s security deposit. As a property owner, budget and plan for routine maintenance checks to make sure everything is looking solid and doesn’t yet need to be replaced.

What is damage beyond wear and tear?

While wear and tear is an expected part of running a short-term rental, there are instances where damage exceeds what is reasonable. This type of damage is often caused by improper use, negligence, or accidental mishaps. Examples of when a guest may be responsible include:

• Large holes or deep scratches on walls that require repairs.
• Broken furniture or appliances.
• Stains on carpets or upholstery that are permanent or require professional cleaning.
• Broken windows, doors, or locks.
• Burn marks, such as those caused by smoking indoors in non-smoking properties.

Property owners are generally within their rights to use a guest’s security deposit to cover the repair costs.

Documenting wear and tear

To fairly assess what is reasonable wear and tear, it’s important to document the condition of your property regularly. Conducting a thorough inspection before and after each guest stay can help identify changes to the property. Take detailed photos and maintain records for transparency. This way, if disputes arise, you’ll have evidence to support your assessment.

Additionally, creating a clear and comprehensive rental agreement that outlines your policies for wear and tear versus damage will protect both you and your guests. Proper communication and documentation can prevent misunderstandings and help ensure smooth transactions.

Tips

While some wear and tear is inevitable, there are steps property owners can take to minimize its impact:

• Use durable, high-quality furnishings and materials that can withstand frequent use.
• Provide clear house rules to educate guests on how to care for your property.
• Offer cleaning supplies or hire professional cleaning services to ensure upkeep.
• Regularly inspect and maintain appliances, plumbing, and other essential systems to prevent larger issues.

Final thoughts

Understanding what is reasonable wear and tear is an essential part of operating a successful short-term rental or Airbnb. While no property can remain in pristine condition forever, distinguishing between normal use and neglect or damage helps foster trust and clarity between hosts and guests. By maintaining a balanced approach and staying proactive, property owners can protect their investment while creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!