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Simple English definitions for legal terms
fair wear and tear
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A quick definition of fair wear and tear:
Fair wear and tear is the natural damage that happens to something when it is used normally. For example, if you rent a house, the landlord cannot ask you to pay for the damage that happens to the house because of normal use. This is called fair wear and tear. It is different from damage that happens because of accidents or misuse.
A more thorough explanation:
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.