Are you aware of how long items should typically last in your rented property? 

Whether it's the laminated flooring in the bathroom or a new washing machine, understanding product lifespans is crucial for landlords. Having a clear idea of into product lifespans can help distinguish between normal wear and tear, and damage that may exceed reasonable expectations. This understanding can ultimately have an impact on deposit deductions at the end of tenancy.   

Defining product lifespan 

Product lifespan refers to the expected duration an item is designed to remain functional under regular use. In a rented home, this includes the expected longevity of appliances, decorations, furnishings or flooring, before repair or replacement becomes necessary.  

Why landlords need to know about product lifespans 

1. Cost Savings

Anticipating future expenses and understanding how long products are likely to last, allows landlords to proactively budget for maintenance and replacements more accurately.   

2. Safety 

Fixtures that have reached the end of their lifespan can potentially pose safety hazards to tenants. By understanding the lifespan of fixtures, landlords can identify potential safety risks and take appropriate measures to address them before they become critical issues. 

3. Tenant satisfaction 

By maintaining properties  – and their contents – in good condition, you can enhance tenant satisfaction. When tenants have access to functional and reliable fixtures, they are more likely to stay longer and enjoy a comfortable living environment. Don't underestimate the power of regular upkeep - it can make all the difference to your tenants' experience. 

Factors affecting the lifespan of products in a rented home

Product lifespans can be influenced by several factors that landlords should consider: 

• Quality of materials: High-quality materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear can extend the lifespan of fixtures. For example, low-quality carpeting is expected to last between two to four years, whilst high-quality carpeting can have a lifespan of eight to fifteen years. 
• Frequency of use: Items used more frequently, such as dishwashers or washing machines, may have a shorter lifespan compared to fixtures used less frequently. The frequency of use should be taken into account when estimating the lifespan of fixtures.  
• Maintenance practices: Proper maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of fixtures. Regular cleaning, inspections, and repairs can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems that could shorten the lifespan of fixtures. 

Fair wear and tear, or damaged? 

Taking fair wear and tear into account involves considering the reasonable deterioration of a property and its contents over time due to normal, everyday use.  

Changes in condition that are likely to be considered fair wear and tear include: 

• Fading to curtains and upholstery
• Minor scratches to worktops
• Minor scuffs to skirting boards and wood flooring
• Shading and fraying to carpets
• Loose hinges or handles

On the other hand, excessive damage refers to deterioration that surpasses normal wear and tear, leading to a reduction in the product's lifespan.  

Examples of excessive damage include flooring with deep scratches or stains that can’t be removed by cleaning, broken appliances, ripped furnishings or substantial dents or holes in walls. 

If the product lifespan has been affected by excessive damage, it's important to support this with evidence if you want to make a deposit deduction. 

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme’s guide to product lifespans 

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme and NRLA have collaborated to produce a guide that provides useful information about product lifespans in rented properties.  

The guide includes examples of expected lifespans for flooring, decoration, and appliances, and explains how adjudicators consider factors such as age, cost, and quality when making deposit deductions. Additionally, the guide offers a transparent cost apportionment calculation based on the age and expected lifespan of an item, which you can use for your own property .  

Understanding the average lifespans of items and distinguishing between fair wear and tear and excessive damage is essential for landlords to ensure fair deposit deductions and maintain an optimal living environment for tenants. With resources like the TDS Guide to Product Lifespans, landlords can navigate the rented sector with confidence, promoting a fair and transparent tenancy experience for all parties involved. 

You can access the Guide to Product Lifespans by clicking here. 

Simple deposit protection with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme 

TDS Group is the leading tenancy deposit protection and resolution service provider in the UK making life easier for tens of thousands of agents, landlords, developers, and millions of tenants and homebuyers. We're backed by Propertymark, Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the NRLA.  

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme not only provides deposit protection but also helps resolve any disputes that may arise at the end of the tenancy, and free mediation with TDS Resolution for any mid-tenancy disputes, such as rent arrears or breach of contract.   

By joining the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, you'll unlock the ultimate toolkit with templates, tools, and our comprehensive deposit protection management dashboard.   

Signing up is quick and easy, plus NRLA members enjoy a special discount on TDS Insured.  

Please note that some resources are exclusively accessible for landlords who use the free custodial deposit protection scheme (TDS Custodial Scheme) or the insured deposit protection scheme (TDS Insured Scheme).  

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