Fair Wear & Tear Guidance Library
Fair Wear & Tear Guidance Library
The Fair Wear & Tear Guidance Library provides in-app access to ARLA and TDS published standards, displayed contextually while agents are building deposit deduction claims.
Overview
Fair wear and tear is the natural deterioration of a property and its contents that occurs through normal, reasonable use over the course of a tenancy. Distinguishing fair wear and tear from tenant-caused damage is one of the most common points of dispute at end-of-tenancy, and a frequent reason why deposit deduction claims fail at adjudication.
The guidance library removes ambiguity by surfacing item-specific and tenancy-length-specific standards at the exact moment an agent is constructing a claim.
How It Works
Contextual Display
Guidance appears inline within the deduction claim builder — you do not need to navigate away or consult external documentation. As you add or edit a line item, the relevant ARLA/TDS guidance for that item category is shown alongside it.
Indexed by Item Type
Guidance is organised by item category, including (but not limited to):
- Floor coverings — carpets, hard flooring, tiles
- Decorative surfaces — walls, ceilings, paintwork, wallpaper
- Fixtures & fittings — doors, handles, blinds, curtains
- Kitchen & bathroom — appliances, sanitaryware, worktops
- Furniture — upholstery, beds, storage units
- Outdoor spaces — gardens, fences, patios
Adjusted for Tenancy Length
The expected degree of wear varies significantly with tenancy length. A carpet in a five-year tenancy is expected to show considerably more wear than one in a six-month let. The library applies tenancy-length context automatically, so the guidance you see reflects the specific duration of the tenancy in question.
Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reduce over-claiming | Agents are guided to claim only for damage that exceeds fair wear and tear, not normal use |
| Improve adjudication success | Claims grounded in ARLA/TDS standards are more likely to be upheld if disputed |
| Consistent decision-making | All agents in your organisation apply the same baseline standards |
| Defensible evidence trail | Guidance references are tied to the claim, supporting your position if challenged |
Source Standards
All guidance in the library is based on publicly published standards from:
- ARLA Propertymark — industry body guidelines for letting agents
- TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) — adjudication body guidance used in formal dispute resolution
Using these sources means any deduction built with the library's guidance is aligned with the same standards an adjudicator would apply.
Tips for Best Results
- Review the guidance before finalising each line item. Even experienced agents benefit from a reference check — standards do evolve.
- Use tenancy length accurately. The library's adjustments depend on the tenancy start and end dates being correct in the claim record.
- Document evidence to match the guidance. If the library indicates that a stained carpet in a 3-year tenancy warrants a 50% deduction, ensure your photographic evidence clearly shows the extent of the damage beyond expected wear.
- Share guidance with tenants. Referencing the same ARLA/TDS standards when communicating deductions to tenants can improve acceptance rates and reduce disputes.