Window Blinds - Normal Wear & Tear?

[nj2Type-S]

hey guys,

i'm calling out to all the landlords here. i would like to know if window blinds are part of the "normal wear and tear", or are they something that can be deducted from the damage deposit.

basically, we have one window where the blinds won't open or close to adjust light coming in, and another window with some of the blind pieces missing.

thanks!

[speedog]

Well I'm not a landlord but I do own the home I'm currently living in for the past 20+ years and we have blinds older than that and not a one of them is missing a slat or fails to work as they should. Personally, I would think your situation is above regular wear and tear - walls that have nicks, carpets that may be a bit worn, a faucet that drips are regular wear and tear but I just can not see how your blind situation would considered regular wear and tear.

[TYMSMNY]

as I would classify it as....

blinds not opening or closing = normal wear and tear
Missing blinds/slats = tenants responsibility

[KPHMPH]

Normal wear and tear would be they are dirty or dusty, anything else is damage.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by TYMSMNY
as I would classify it as....

blinds not opening or closing = normal wear and tear
Missing blinds/slats = tenants responsibility

I agree with this. I had our first blind failure in our 6 year old house a couple of months ago. It happens, and if I was a tenant I would not feel responsible to pay for that.

[botox]

Originally posted by TYMSMNY
as I would classify it as....

blinds not opening or closing = normal wear and tear
Missing blinds/slats = tenants responsibility

Bingo. Those little gears break from time to time, but the slats should never be damaged under normal use.

[nj2Type-S]

Originally posted by TYMSMNY
as I would classify it as....

blinds not opening or closing = normal wear and tear
Missing blinds/slats = tenants responsibility

can this be repaired, or does it have to be replaced with a new one?

[suntan]

Yes, they can be repaired.

[TYMSMNY]

Blinds not closing can be easily repaired, prob hinge or whatever.

Missing slats.... the strings will have to come out and the slats replaced. Won't be the same color I wouldn't think.

Might be faster and cheaper to buy a new ones for both of them.