End of tenancy is the moment landlords and letting agents discover just how much surface damage has accumulated over a tenancy — chips in the bath, scuffs on doors, damaged worktops, cracked tiles. Deciding what to repair, what to deduct from the deposit, and how to get the property ready for the next tenant quickly is a familiar challenge. This guide covers your practical options.
Fair Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage
Before deducting repair costs from a deposit, it’s important to distinguish between fair wear and tear (which cannot be charged to the tenant) and genuine damage (which can). UK deposit scheme adjudicators generally consider:
- Age and condition of the item at the start of the tenancy — a 15-year-old bath showing wear cannot be charged as damage
- Length of the tenancy — more wear is expected over 5 years than over 6 months
- Nature of the damage — chips, burns, cuts and scratches are damage; gradual fading and dulling is wear
With proper check-in and check-out inventories (including photographs), damage can be identified clearly and proportionate deductions made.
The Most Common Surface Damage in Rental Properties
- Chipped or cracked baths, shower trays and sinks
- Damaged kitchen and bathroom tiles
- Burned, cut or chipped worktops
- Scuffed, chipped or scratched doors and door frames
- Damaged or discoloured flooring — LVT, laminate, vinyl and carpet
- Kitchen unit damage — chips, swollen carcasses, damaged doors
Repair vs. Replacement: Getting the Maths Right
Replacing a damaged item is often not the right approach — both practically and when it comes to deposit disputes. Adjudicators generally expect landlords to repair rather than replace where repair is possible. Charging a tenant the full replacement cost of a 10-year-old bath when a repair would have cost £120 is unlikely to be upheld.
Professional surface repair is usually significantly cheaper than replacement and gets properties back to a lettable standard faster. Most surface repairs can be completed in a single visit.
Getting Quotes for End of Tenancy Repairs
Shazam Repairs provides quick photo quotes for end of tenancy damage — ideal for landlords and letting agents who need to assess costs fast. Send photos of the damage and we’ll provide fixed prices within 24 hours. We cover the whole of the UK and can often attend within a few days of booking.
We also provide before and after photographs suitable for deposit deduction evidence.
