Normal Wear and Tear Versus Damage

Some people may wonder what the difference between wear and tear and damage is. Damage is a change in the property caused by something the tenant did, for example, if you spilled something, made a hole in the wall or damaged the flooring or carpets. Wear and tear is how the condition and state of a place changes over time just as things age and are used, for example, when paint fades, pipes may deteriorate or electrical components wear out. Tenants are responsible for damage while landlords are responsible for wear and tear. In this week’s blog we wanted to over some things tenants can do to prevent damage to the property.

Keep Carpets Clean

Vacuuming carpets is a good way to keep them clean, but from time to time, it is a good idea to steam clean them in order to remove stubborn stains and keep them from developing bad odours. You can rent steam cleaners from shops such as Superstore or Canadian Tire.

Keep Appliances Clean

It is important to keep appliances clean. If you do not keep them clean, this can lead to pests and mould and in extreme cases, they may present a fire hazard. Keeping appliances like the oven clean will prevent the build up of smoke and soot which can stain various surfaces across the unit.

Manage Moisture

In some cases, wear and tear can be due to the build up of moisture, which leads to mold or certain components deteriorating. Where possible, keep the place light, airy and dry to ensure moisture does not build up.

Manage and Monitor Heat Levels During Winter Months

It is important to manage and monitor heat levels in your apartment during the cold months. If you let the temperature drop too low because you left a window or the balcony door open, this can lead to frozen pipes and other types of problems that the tenants will be responsible for.

Report Problems or Damage to Your Landlord Immediately

If you notice any problems or you are not sure how to deal with the problem, make sure you inform your landlord as soon as possible. The sooner you identify a problem and resolve it; the better off you will be, because small issues can become big issues if they are not dealt with quickly.

Prevent Pests

Some pests are just annoying while some pests can do serious damage to your unit. It is important to take the necessary steps to keep pests out of your unit. In next week’s blog, we will look at this topic in more detail and give you some advice on how to keep different types of pests out of your unit.

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