Move-out refurbishment what are you liable for

What does refurbishment on move-out mean

Refurbishment on move-out is about which repairs and improvements can be demanded when a tenant hands a home back to the landlord. In practice, it depends on the tenancy agreement, the condition of the property at move-in, and whether the issue is wear, damage, or lack of maintenance. Many tenants assume the landlord can always demand a full renovation, but that is not the case. The key question is whether there is a genuine obligation to return the home to the agreed condition.

That is why it is important to distinguish between normal wear and tear and issues the tenant is liable for. Normal wear happens over time, while damage is usually caused by use, carelessness, or poor upkeep. If the home was taken over in a newly refurbished condition, the rules may be different from an older lease, so the contract should always be read carefully. A written move-in report and a solid move-out report are often decisive when the final bill is disputed later.

Normal refurbishment, painting on move-out and wear

Normal refurbishment is a central concept because it is often used to describe the condition in which the home must be returned. In most cases, it means that walls, ceilings, and woodwork should look clean and presentable, but not necessarily newly renovated. Painting on move-out can therefore be required if the walls are badly worn, discoloured, or marked beyond ordinary use. However, the exact requirement depends on the agreement, and the landlord cannot simply place any arbitrary task on the tenant.

• Worn walls may need painting because the surface no longer looks even.
• Visible stains, nicotine, grease, or other discolouration caused during the tenancy may trigger a charge.
• Cleaning can be required if the home is not handed back in the agreed and reasonable condition.
• Minor repairs may be necessary to return the home to normal refurbishment.

It is also worth remembering that painting on move-out does not automatically mean the entire property must be repainted from top to bottom. Often it only concerns the rooms or surfaces that have actually been affected by use. If the walls were already worn at move-in, or if the home has been maintained properly throughout the tenancy, the requirement may be lower. That is why documentation, photos, and notes from the inspection matter when the deposit is being calculated.

Holes in walls on move-out and other specific damage

Holes in walls on move-out are one of the most common sources of conflict because many tenants have hung pictures, shelves, mirrors, or televisions. Small nail holes can sometimes count as normal use, but larger holes, badly removed plugs, or damaged wall surfaces may create an obligation to repair. The same applies if there are many drilled points or if the wall needs filling and repainting to get back to the agreed condition.

• Small nail holes may sometimes be accepted if they are few and easy to repair.
• Large drill holes or cracks will often require filling and painting.
• Incorrectly installed wall plugs or screws can increase repair costs.
• If the walls were painted in strong colours, restoration may also be required.

As a tenant, it is wise to inspect the property room by room before moving out and note what is normal wear and what should be treated as damage. The better you document the condition, the easier it is to discuss the bill. If you made alterations with the landlord’s consent, keep messages or written agreements so you can show that the work does not necessarily have to be corrected at your own expense.

How to avoid disputes about the costs

The best way to avoid disputes about refurbishment on move-out is to start early. Review the tenancy agreement, check the move-in report, and take your own photos before the property is fully emptied. If there are issues you can fix cheaply and properly yourself, it is often smart to do so before the landlord hires contractors. That way you can better control both quality and cost, while also reducing the risk of the deposit being used faster than necessary.

If you are unsure what you are liable for, it is sensible to ask for a clear explanation of each item being charged. A proper statement should show what is due to normal wear, what is due to actual damage, and how the amount has been calculated. That creates a better basis for discussion and makes it easier to accept what you truly owe and reject what cannot be linked to you. Clear agreements lead to fewer conflicts and a more secure move-out process.