Updated 2026-10-07. Queensland focused general information.
The practical difference
The Queensland RTA describes fair wear and tear as deterioration that happens through normal use, ageing or environmental exposure. Damage is different because it has an identifiable cause beyond ordinary occupation, such as impact, misuse, neglect or an accident. The distinction matters because it affects who may ultimately be responsible for the repair cost.
Look at cause, not just appearance
A mark on a wall is not automatically tenant damage. Faded paint may be normal ageing, while a large impact hole is plainly different. A cracked window caused by an ageing frame is different from a pane broken by impact. Context matters.
Why condition reports matter
Entry and exit condition reports create the comparison point. Photos are useful because they show whether an issue existed at the start, whether it worsened over time and how significant the change really is.
How to turn the issue into a repair scope
Once responsibility is being handled separately, the repair work itself should be grouped by trade and urgency. Wall patches can be paired with paint, damaged doors with hardware, and multiple cosmetic items completed while the property is vacant.
When to get advice
If responsibility is disputed, use current RTA guidance or professional advice rather than relying on assumptions. A repair company can quote the work, but it should not decide a tenancy dispute.
General information only. For tenancy disputes or legal rights, check current RTA guidance or obtain professional advice.
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