Fair Wear and Tear vs Tenant Damage: Singapore Examples

In Singapore, fair wear and tear refers to normal deterioration from everyday use, for which tenants bear no liability, while tenant damage involves misuse beyond that, making tenants responsible for tenant repairs and repair responsibility.[1][3]

This cluster article breaks down Fair Wear and Tear vs Tenant Damage: Singapore Examples with HDB and private property cases, helping tenants and landlords navigate rental repairs, landlord maintenance, and maintenance rights. It connects to our pillar guide on Tenant Rights in Singapore for full coverage. Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying listings and promoting transparent agreements.

What Counts as Fair Wear and Tear in Singapore Rentals?

Fair wear and tear is deterioration from ordinary use and ageing, not tenant fault. Singapore tenancy agreements typically exempt tenants from liability here, based on common law principles.[1][5]

Landlords handle routine refurbishments like repainting walls after normal use.[1] Tenants must return the property in similar condition, minus fair wear.[4]

Singapore-Specific Fair Wear and Tear Examples

• Faded paint on HDB walls in Punggol after 2 years from sunlight exposure—not tenant liability.[2][3]
• Scuffed parquet edges in Bishan 4-room HDB from furniture movement.[3][4]
• Minor laminate scratches in Tiong Bahru condo vinyl floors from daily walking.[4]
• Oil stains on kitchen hood in typical Singapore hawker-style cooking.[3]
• Sofa fabric softening or mattress sagging over lease term in River Valley units.[2][4]

These align with HDB subletting rules, where normal use doesn't trigger claims.HDB Rental Maintenance Rules: Landlord vs Tenant Duties | Homejourney

Tenant Damage Beyond Fair Wear: Key Examples

Damage from negligence or misuse falls under tenant damage, shifting repair responsibility to tenants. Landlords can deduct from security deposits after notice.[1][3]

Tenants must keep premises tenantable; beyond that, they compensate to restore original condition.[1][4]

Real Singapore Tenant Damage Cases

• Heavily gouged floors in Jurong West HDB from dragging heavy items without pads.[1]
• Stained carpets with odours in Orchard condo from spills not cleaned promptly.[1][3]
• Broken appliances like faulty fridge in Woodlands flat from misuse.[1]
• Wall scribbles or unauthorised wallpaper in Sengkang HDB requiring repaint.[1]
• Ceiling stains from overflowing bath in private Tampines rental.[3]

Landlords prove misuse via contractor quotes; cannot profit by upgrading items.[3] See our evidence guide: Property Damage Claims: Tenant vs Landlord Evidence Guide | Homejourney .

Who Pays? Landlord Maintenance vs Tenant Repairs

Landlords cover landlord maintenance for structural issues and fair wear; tenants handle tenant repairs for damage they cause.[1][7]

Tenancy agreements often specify: tenants liable beyond fair wear, with notice before deposit deductions.[1] HDB rules reinforce this for sublets.

Actionable Steps for Landlords

1. Conduct pre-tenancy inventory with photos, noting defects and item lifespans (e.g., paint: 2 years).[1]
2. Give written notice for repairs; allow time before deducting deposits.[1]
3. Get contractor quotes proving misuse, not wear.[3]
4. For shortfalls, file at Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) if claim < $20,000, tenancy 3-24 months.[1]

Lodgement fees apply; mediation via Community Mediation Centre first.[3]

Actionable Steps for Tenants

1. Document move-in condition with dated photos.How to Document Rental Repairs for SCT Claims in Singapore | Homejourney
2. Report issues promptly; negotiate minor repair clauses.Minor Repair Clause Negotiation Tips for Singapore Tenants | Homejourney
3. Dispute unfair claims with evidence of fair wear.[4]
4. Escalate to SCT if deposit withheld unjustly; no lawyers needed.[1]

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Preventing Disputes: Practical Tips

Check tenancy agreement for fair wear clauses before signing; negotiate limits on repairs under $200.Tenant Rights for Repairs & Maintenance in Singapore | Homejourney

Landlords: Include checklists signed by both parties.[1] Tenants: Avoid red flags like unlimited liability clauses.

• Use furniture pads in HDBs to prevent gouges.
• Clean spills immediately in high-humidity Singapore climates.
• Schedule aircon servicing for maintenance rights.

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FAQ: Fair Wear and Tear vs Tenant Damage

Q1: Can landlords repaint over fair wear and charge tenants?
No, routine repaints after normal use are landlord responsibility.[1][5]

Q2: What if damage occurs in HDB sublets?
Follow HDB rules; fair wear exempt, but tenants liable for misuse like unauthorised fixtures.[1]HDB Rental Maintenance Rules: Landlord vs Tenant Duties | Homejourney

Q3: How to prove fair wear in deposit disputes?
Use move-in photos, contractor reports; mediate first.[3]Security Deposit Disputes: Step-by-Step Recovery Guide | Homejourney

Q4: Can SCT handle commercial property claims?
No, only residential; up to $20,000.[1]

Q5: Who pays for lost keys?
Tenant damage; replace at tenant cost.[3]

Disclaimer: This is general guidance based on Singapore common law and sources like SingaporeLegalAdvice.com. Consult professionals for advice; Homejourney connects you safely.

Trust Homejourney for verified rentals protecting your maintenance rights. Search now: For Rent listings. Explore our pillar on tenant rights for more.

References

1. Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
2. Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2026)
3. Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2026)
4. Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2026)
5. Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)
6. Singapore Property Market Analysis 7 (2026)