What is classed as fair wear and tear for a tenancy?

[MaryBoBary]

We are about to leave a rented property we have been in for 3.5 years. When we arrived the property was newly decorated - all magnolia. I am of the understanding that there is no requirement for us to completely redecorate the house. My 3 year old sons room we will repaint as it has marks on the walls over and above what I would call normal wear and tear. However the rest of the house is in good condition. There are marks on the walls here and there, and with it being magnolia marks show up. Would any landlords here expect the tenant to redecorate? Or penalise is in terms of returning a deposit?

Oh and forgot to ask - what about holes from picture hooks? Should these be filled by us? If so, would you expect it painted over as filler will be whiter than walls?

Can't really judge without photos etc. Most marks on walls tend to be fair wear and tear. You should fill and paint over any holes. Remember with deposit, it's your money. Not the landlords. They have to prove they are entitled to it & justify any amount they wish to keep. If you feel it's u reasonable refer to your deposit scheme. They usually find in tenants favour because landlords tend to try and keep unreasonable amounts.

Thanks for reply. My concern with painting over the filler is that it will stick out like a sore thumb and then require the whole wall painting. But presumably the landlord will do that anyway before new tenants move in. My landlord is VERY difficult and can be really rude and aggressive so I’m extra nervous!

You can buy magnolia caulk. You could use that to fill?

Marks on walls should be removed where possible. Cif cream cleaner will get almost everything off, its magic!

Your contract will say what to do about picture hooks etc - some want them left, some want them removed and filled, some don't allow them at all.

Thank you - cream cleaner is a great idea. I honestly think they will have to redecorate anyway due to fading behind pictures on the walls etc but I’ll just scrub at any marks and hopefully it will be ok. Our contract isn’t specific about picture hooks so maybe I’ll just ask the landlord what he wants me to do.

I would ask the landlord about the hooks etc, he may just say to leave them.

He can't expect you to paint throughout, that is up to him if he needs to, but I would paint over any marks created by a child, like crayons or anything as that is not acceptable wear and tear.

Thanks @sprinklesandsauce. OH is concerned that painting patches will shop up, but surely a landlord can’t say anything about that

I'm in a similar position. We are filling holes and painting over them as that was in our contract. Scuffs etc i am assuming will be wear and tear after 3 years.

I understand the nervous feeling though. I have a list of jobs to do including a good deep clean before we go.

I’ve already steam cleaned the grouting in the bathroom and got a pack of oven cleaner ready to do that beater the time. And we’ve arranged for OHs Dad to come round with hedge trimmers to cut back bushes so the garden is nice and tidy. I have anxiety so may be massively over thinking this all. But have also lost significant amounts of deposits in the past for not completely redecorating, despite it not being specified in the contract. This is the first time an end of tenancy inspection will take place with me here at the time though which will be better. Previous moves have been very last minute due to work and although I’ve taken photos, previous letting agents have said things were dirty which weren’t as inspections took place after we had moved. I think also we have massively improved the garden (landlord had a shed removed due to it leaking, but just left the foundations there and did nothing with it so we decked over it and put slate chips down around the decking so it looks presentable) so hopefully that will go in our favour and he won’t be an asshole about anything!

If you need to fill and paint the picture holes, do not use a paintbrush. Dip a cotton wool bud in the paint and dab that on the dried filler instead. It should dry to be unnoticeable.

I’ve mixed a powder filler with the emulsion used to paint the wall rather than water - it was quite successful.

I've been bleaching the grouting in ours. Going to have a go with a magic sponge as well. Looks like it will easily come up with a grout pen mind but should we do that or LL? That's what i feel like about everything like i just don't know.

When we officially give notice i will be doing it via email and query things like carpet cleaning etc.

All the while just desperate to get into our new place!

Cif foam spray and a washing up sponge scourer thing worked a treat on my grouting. Hadn’t thought about carpet cleaner but we only have carpet upstairs so don’t think we will need to do that.

@madvixen top tip thank you

I dont know whether ll would be happy us carpet cleaning or would rather do it themselves. I dont know what can go wrong with carper cleaning iyswim. Never done it before!

Thanks for the tip will give it a go!

you do not redecorate. if kid has scribbled on walls that is damage, otherwise wear and tear.

landlord has to prove damage. if silly buggers start just raise a dispute. deposit is your money.