what is normal wear and tear after living in a rented house for two years?
Normal wear and tear is a common sense term, but not an exact one. If the usual “life” of a particular kind of carpet is five years (made-up example) and it was three years old when you moved in, normal wear and tear means that it’s expected that it would have to be replaced now, and it’s not your fault; if it was new when you moved in but has to be replaced now, it is your fault. Modern technology has made protecting your interests, in a rented home, much easier and cheaper than it used to be. When you move in — before you bring in a single box or piece of furniture, other than necessary lighting, take pictures of everything. Do the same after everything is moved out, just before you turn in the key. That way, if the carpet was already halfway “done” when you moved in, you can prove it when you move out.
