Fair Wear and Tear vs. Bond Deductions in Queensland

One of the most common arguments at the end of a tenancy isn’t about whether something needs fixing, it’s about whose responsibility it actually is. Queensland law draws a real line between “fair wear and tear,” which you’re not liable for, and genuine damage or neglect, which you are. Here’s how that line actually works.

What Fair Wear and Tear Actually Means

Fair wear and tear is the gradual, natural deterioration that happens just from living in a property normally, over time, even when a tenant is being careful. Think faded paint from sunlight, carpet that’s slightly flattened in high-traffic areas, or small scuffs on walls from everyday furniture movement. None of this is something a property manager can deduct from your bond, because it would have happened regardless of who was living there.

What Actually Counts as Damage

Damage is different, it’s the result of neglect, an accident, or something that wouldn’t have happened under normal, careful use. Large stains on carpet, broken fixtures, holes in walls, or areas that clearly haven’t been cleaned in a long time all fall into this category. The general standard is simple: the property should be left in the same condition it was in when you moved in, allowing for that normal, gradual wear.

Where It Gets Genuinely Confusing

Some situations sit right on the line, and this is usually where disputes start. A few examples worth knowing:

• Carpet wear vs. carpet cleaning: a slightly worn patch from years of walking the same route is fair wear. Ground-in dirt or stains that could have been prevented with regular vacuuming isn’t.
• Nail holes: a small number of picture-hanging holes is usually considered normal. Large or excessive holes, or holes not properly filled, can be treated differently.
• Appliance wear: if an oven’s heating element fails after years of normal use, that’s wear and tear. Grease buildup from not cleaning it is not.

Why the Entry Condition Report Matters So Much

Your property manager is legally required to complete a condition report before you move in, sign it, and give you a copy. This document is the actual baseline everything gets compared against at the end of your tenancy, not some general assumption of “brand new.” If something was already worn or marked when you moved in, it can’t reasonably be held against you when you move out, provided you can show it was already there.

The Cleaning Half of the Equation

It’s worth being clear: cleaning and fair wear and tear are two separate categories entirely. A property can have completely normal wear and tear and still lose bond money if it isn’t properly cleaned, since cleaning is one of the few categories a property manager can legitimately claim against, regardless of how well the property has otherwise aged. See our full bond cleaning checklist for exactly what gets checked at final inspection.

If You Do End Up in a Dispute

If a property manager claims something you believe is fair wear and tear, you can lodge a dispute resolution request with the RTA rather than simply accepting the claim. Gather your photos and your original condition report as evidence, they’re usually the deciding factor in these situations.

Want to remove cleaning as a possible sticking point before your inspection? Get a quote for a professional bond clean backed by a free 72-hour re-clean guarantee.