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Property damage is an unavoidable aspect of the property rental business. Human error and environmental factors both contribute to property damage. As a property owner, this may mean additional expenditure on your part to maintain the property. Normal wear and tear are usually owner’s expense; but tenants can be charged for excessive property damage done by them.
Let’s look into what is considered Normal and what is considered Excessive damage:
Normal Wear & Tear
As the name says, it is the property damage that occurs due to everyday use or due to climate conditions over a period of time. This type of damage can’t be avoided and thus, tenants can’t be held accountable for it. The rental property owner is responsible for managing this type of wear and tear by performing regular repair and maintenance. Few examples of normal wear and tear are:
Excessive Property Damage
Also known as unexpected property damage, excessive damage can be a result of tenant’s negligence or property abuse. It is measurable and verifiable in nature and the tenant can be held accountable for this kind of damage.
Such damage can have a negative impact on the property value. Some examples of excessive property damage are:
Differentiating normal wear & tear from excessive damage can lead to disputes between the rental property owner and the tenant. Here are some ways to avoid such disputes:
While it could be stressful for property owners to deal and communicate with tenants and reach common ground on who would be paying for which damages, a property management agency can help in this regard. A property management company will guide owners about the necessary lease clauses and would conduct walkthroughs and document the property condition before the start of tenancy. The agency will also conduct regular inspections and would communicate with tenants about any repairs that they need to pay for.
Hunter Rentals & Sales offers complete property management services near Fort Hood, including Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Belton, TX. To know more, visit Hunter Rentals & Sales at 1503 W Stan Schlueter Lp Killeen TX – 76549 or call (254) 634-331. You can also check out our website
www.hunterrentals.com