Landlord Damage Claims: Why "New for Old" Doesn't Fly at the Tenancy Tribunal

Think you can charge tenants the full replacement cost for damaged items? Think again. Recent rulings from the Tenancy Tribunal are underscoring a crucial factor for landlords pursuing damage claims: depreciation. Understanding how the Tribunal assesses the current value of items is essential for fair and successful claims at the end of a tenancy.

Our latest report breaks down a significant case and explains the Tribunal's approach to compensation, revealing:

• The $3,300+ Ruling & the Depreciation Factor: Learn about a recent case where a tenant was ordered to pay for damages, but with depreciation significantly impacting the final amount owed.
• How the Tribunal Calculates What's Fair: Discover the key factors the Tenancy Tribunal considers – including age, condition, and lifespan – when applying depreciation to damage claims.
• Fastest Depreciation Offenders: Find out which common rental property items, like curtains and carpets, lose value most rapidly according to Tribunal precedents.
• Real-World Examples of Depreciation in Action: See exactly how depreciation was applied to missing curtains (fully depreciated!) and damaged carpets (50% reduction) in the featured case.
• Why Landlords Can't Profit from Damage: Understand the Tribunal's core principle: ensuring landlords are compensated fairly for the current value, not placed in a better financial position.
• Key Considerations Before Filing a Claim: What landlords need to assess about the age and condition of their property items before seeking compensation for damages.
• Crockers' Expert Advice: Practical recommendations for landlords on documenting property conditions at the start of tenancy to support fair depreciation calculations.
• Your Burning Questions Answered: A quick FAQ covering how depreciation works, commonly depreciated items, and how landlords can best prepare for potential claims.

Navigating damage claims at the Tenancy Tribunal requires a clear understanding of depreciation. Don't assume full replacement costs will be awarded.

Read the full report here: Can Landlords Claim Full Replacement Costs for Damaged Items?