At Apex Property Management, we are committed to transparency and fairness when determining whether repair costs should be covered by the resident or the investment owner. Our process is built on industry best practices, useful life calculations, and a common-sense approach that ensures equitable outcomes for all parties.
Normal wear and tear refers to the natural and expected deterioration that occurs with time and daily use. Property owners are responsible for addressing these items as part of ongoing maintenance.
Excessive damage, on the other hand, results from preventable actions, neglect, or misuse. When this type of damage is clearly documented, residents may be held financially responsible for repair or replacement.
| Item | Typical Life | Normal Wear (Owner) | Excessive Damage (Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Flooring | 25 years | Sun fading | Deep scratches, water or pet damage |
| Carpet | 5 years | Light fading or worn traffic areas | Stains, pet urine, burns, rips |
| Paint | 3 years | Minor scuffs or dulling over time | Unauthorized paint colors, scribbles, or heavy damage |
| Tile Flooring | 25 years | Dirty grout | Broken, chipped, or missing tiles |
| Countertops | 20+ years | Small scratches or normal dulling | Chips, burns, or multiple deep stains |
| Windows | 20 years | Minor scratches, worn hardware | Broken glass, ripped screens, or bent tracks |
| Walls | Lifetime | Settling cracks | Holes or damage from mounting items |
This framework allows Apex to uphold consistency while protecting both the property’s value and the resident’s rights.
When damage occurs, we use an objective formula that considers an item’s age, expected lifespan, and replacement cost.
This method ensures residents are only charged for the remaining useful life of an item, rather than the full replacement cost of something that has already aged through normal use.
Formula:
Resident Charge = Replacement Cost × (Remaining Useful Life ÷ Total Useful Life)
Example:
If a 20-year-old hardwood floor (25-year life) is is damaged beyond repair and must be replaced for $10,000:
This approach ensures accountability while maintaining fairness for long-term residents and owners alike.