What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear in Massachusetts Apartments?

Move in and move out when it comes to rental units can be stressful. This is coming from both the renters and the landlords and property owners. Knowing the expectations can be tricky. One of the biggest sticking points can be what is considered “normal wear and tear”… a phrase used often but not always defined. What is considered normal wear and tear in Massachusetts apartments, specifically? It’s important to note the location, since there can be slight variations from one state law to the next.

As one of the premiere Boston Massachusetts property management companies, we know that the moving procedures can be confusing. So we try to make them as clear as possible and try to be as transparent as possible. No one wants to stress more than they have to. Here we will dive into the question and clarify a number of things, particularly in regards to Massachusetts law.

Table of Contents

• What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear in Massachusetts Apartments
• FAQ
• For Landlords and Owners – Hire the Pros to Handle These Things

What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear in Massachusetts Apartments

Understanding normal wear and tear in Massachusetts rentals is key for both landlords and tenants. Simply put, it’s the natural, gradual deterioration of a property due to everyday use. Think of things like faded paint, slightly worn carpets, or minor scuffs on walls—these are all par for the course when living in a space. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Guide emphasizes that tenants aren’t responsible for addressing or covering the costs of these typical signs of daily life.

However, distinguishing what is considered normal wear and tear in Massachusetts apartments and what is considered “not normal” is where things can get a bit tricky. Unless you’re a lawyer with a lot of experience in this field, deciphering things when it comes to a lot of gray area can be difficult. For example, while a few small nail holes from hanging pictures are generally acceptable, larger holes or significant wall damage go beyond what’s considered normal. Similarly, carpets naturally wear down over time, but burns, stains, or tears are indicative of damage. The security deposit laws in Massachusetts allow landlords to only deduct repair costs from the security deposit for things that are considered damage (not wear and tear).

To keep things smooth and avoid disputes, it’s a smart move for both parties to document the property’s condition at move-in and move-out. This way, there’s a clear record that can help differentiate between what’s normal aging of the property and what’s actual damage. Open communication and understanding these nuances not only lead to a good landlord-tenant relationship but also makes sure that security deposits are handled fairly and in line with Massachusetts law.

FAQ

How do you determine landlord vs. tenant responsibilities?

This is key to the entire landlord-tenant relationship. Everyone should know where their role starts and where it ends. If you’re wondering what is considered normal wear and tear in Massachusetts apartments, you’re also probably just wondering who is responsible for what. Knowing what the responsibilities are for landlords vs. tenants is something that comes up a lot in our work, so we’ve been there. Getting a breakdown from that particular link could clear up a lot of confusion. The gist is that there is a lot to know and so getting familiar with both federal and local laws as well as rental agreements means getting familiar with all the ins and outs that come with determining responsibilities. When it comes to wear and tear, ultimately if it is deemed as such, than that means it is the landlord’s responsibility. The question always becomes whether in fact something is wear and tear.

Can a landlord charge a cleaning fee after you move out?

Yes, a landlord can charge a fee in certain situations, but it varies by state. Landlords who charge a cleaning fee after a move out should know that they need to do it within certain parameters and those parameters vary based on the state they are in. The security deposit laws in Massachusetts outline that they can only be charged “unpaid rent, unpaid water bills, or to repair damage”… so cleaning fees generally cannot be deducted unless it crosses the threshold of being considered damage. Other states may be different.

Is there a checklist for move-in and move-out that can help for wear and tear and cleaning needs?

It is a good idea to put together a housing code checklist that can help you throughout these processes. Check the link for an example we have of the types of things you might want to put in your particular checklist. Ultimately there isn’t a single official checklist that exists, so creating one based on others you find and fine-tuning it over time will help in making that process smoother and smoother each and every time.

For Landlords and Owners – Hire the Pros to Handle These Things

Dealing with tenant disputes is never something anyone wants to handle. There are a good number of steps property owners can take to avoid issues when thinking about what is considered normal wear and tear in Massachusetts apartments… and things that aren’t considered normal. Then the question becomes something else. Are the daily tasks of managing a rental have become too much to handle? One important, big step could be calling the experts to help.

Contact Us Today! 

Focusing exclusively on rental management, Bay Property Management Group has the experience, knowledge, and customer service skills to handle any situation owners face. This dedication to service goes beyond rental maintenance to include tenant screening, targeted marketing, rent collection, and even legal matters. So, if you are looking to avoid potential disputes and maximize tenant satisfaction along with profits – contact Bay Property Management Group today.