Legal Definitions - fair wear and tear

Definition: Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration or depreciation of property resulting from its reasonable use. It is the normal wear and tear that occurs over time due to regular use and the ordinary operation of natural forces.

For example, if a tenant rents an apartment and lives in it for a year, there will be some wear and tear on the property. This could include scuff marks on the walls, worn carpet in high traffic areas, or minor scratches on the floors. These are all examples of fair wear and tear because they are the result of normal use and cannot be avoided.

However, if the tenant were to punch a hole in the wall or spill red wine on the carpet and not clean it up, this would not be considered fair wear and tear. These are damages caused by the tenant's negligence or misuse of the property and would be the tenant's responsibility to repair or pay for.

Overall, fair wear and tear is a common concept in landlord-tenant relationships and is important to understand to avoid disputes over damages and repairs.