Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Nevada

What determines normal wear and tear

Hi, Im a landlord and recently have had a tenent move out. When they first rented the home it was brand new. I had just closed escrow and they moved in. They were the first to occupy the home.

They recently moved out and left the home in a shambles. For only living there one year the whole house needs to be painted. Their dog has done some damage to the wall which was never reported. There was crayon drawings all over the wall. The capets were left filthy, unknown if they can be cleaned where it will make the house marketable again. The bathrooms were left filthy, the stove looks like it has never been cleaned. The top of the stove has burn marks on it though it is still operable. The list goes on and on. Its going to cost me 2500.00 to paint the house. About another 400.00 to clean the carpets. They have only lived in the house for one year. What determines normal wear and tear. What is my recourse. Can I recoup some of the painting costs. If I have to change the stove because it is an eyesore but it still works can I do that and go after them civily.

Thanks

Pasquale


Asked on 10/08/06, 10:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Anderson Anderson Business Law LLC

Re: What determines normal wear and tear

Of course you had a damage deposit and written lease with language covering cleanup responsibilities on move-out, right?

Especially with a brand new house.

ESPECIALLY with tenants with KIDS AND A DOG????

I would suggest getting a couple more bids on the painting and carpet cleaning, then photograph and otherwise document the damage. Then whatever visible damage is left after painting and cleaning should be photographed and can be sought in small claims court.The judge will determine what is reasonable after a year.

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Answered on 10/09/06, 7:29 am


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