The following FAQ page will define and list examples of items that are considered general wear and tear.
General wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration or decline in the condition of a rental property that occurs over time due to regular use. It is not caused by neglect, misuse, or damage.
The following items are considered normal wear and tear and may not be subject to immediate repair or considered reasonable cause for an early lease termination or relocation:
Walls, Paint, and Caulking
- Small holes in the wall, no larger than a 6-penny nail.
- Faded, chipped, or cracked paint.
- Faded caulking around the bathtub and tiles.
- Small scuffs or wall markings.
| Wear and Tear | 
|
|
|
| Damage | 
|
|
|
Floors and Surfaces
- Minor scuffs, stains or floor markings no larger than 6 inches.
- Faded finish on wood floors.
- Worn countertops due to daily use.
| Wear and Tear | 
|
|
|
| Damage | 
|
|
|
Fixtures, Hardware, and Windows
- Loose hinges or handles on doors.
- Heat blistered blinds.
- Sticking windows (that still open/close with normal force).
Appliances, Lighting, and Air Filters
- Dead batteries in remotes or smoke detectors.
- Missing, burnt-out, or incorrect-style light bulbs.
- Dirty or expired air filters.
Other Minor Issues
- Hard water deposits (on faucets or shower heads).
- Slightly worn or loose electrical outlets (still functioning normally).
| Wear and Tear | 
|
|
|
| Damage | 
|
|
|
Wear and Tear Disputes
If you disagree with the outcome of a wear and tear assessment, we have a clear process in place to ensure that your concerns are reviewed fairly and thoroughly. Please follow these steps if you wish to challenge the decision:
- Request for Additional Evidence
If you believe the assessment is inaccurate, you may submit additional evidence to support your case. This can include time-stamped photos, counter-proof documentation, or any other relevant materials that may help clarify the situation. We may also schedule inspections as needed. - Review by Tenant Operations and Landlord Operations Teams
Once additional evidence is submitted, both the Tenant Operations and Landlord Operations teams will review and discuss the case. They will provide a non-binding judgment based on the evidence available. - Manager Appeal Review
If you are not satisfied with the outcome from the teams, you may escalate the matter to a Manager for a final appeal review. One of our Managers will assess the situation again to ensure fairness and consistency in the decision-making process. - Small Claims
If the issue remains unresolved after the manager’s review, you have the right to pursue the matter through small claims court.
We are committed to handling all complaints and disputes in a transparent, professional, and fair manner. If you have any questions or need assistance at any stage of the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Damage Reimbursement Process
- Determining Responsibility: If a specific tenant is at fault, landlords submit evidence for reimbursement. If unclear, Alcove investigates, and costs may be split among tenants.
- Reimbursement Process: Landlords submit repair costs to Alcove, and tenants have 3-5 days to pay. Funds are disbursed within 2-7 business days.
- Non-Payment Steps: If unpaid, Alcove follows up twice. Landlords can withhold from deposits, pursue legal action via small claims court, file for eviction if the damage is severe, or send debt to collections.
- Security Deposits: At lease-end, landlords have 30 days to finalize returns. Alcove notifies landlords when the process begins.
Further information on the reimbursement process can be found on our FAQ Page.
Related Lease Terms
(a) Events of Default: In the event the Tenant shall fail to:
(ii) perform any other promise, duty or obligation herein agreed to by him or imposed upon him by law and such failure shall continue for a period of five (5) days from the date Landlord provides Tenant with written notice of such failure, then in either of such events and as often as either of them may occur, Landlord, in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, may, at its option and with or without notice to Tenant, either terminate this lease or terminate the Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises without terminating this lease.
(e) Termination of Lease: In the event Landlord terminates this lease, all further rights and duties hereunder shall terminate and Landlord shall be entitled to collect from Tenant all accrued but unpaid rents and any damages resulting from the Tenant’s breach.
Tenant shall be required to obtain and maintain throughout the term of the tenancy a renter’s insurance policy, which policy shall, without cost to Landlord, name Landlord as an additional insured, and to promptly provide Landlord evidence of such insurance upon Landlord’s request. In addition to coverage for damage or loss to Tenant’s personal property in such amount as Tenant may determine, the policy shall include coverage for bodily injury and property damage for which Tenant may be liable in the amount of $100,000
Submitting a Repair Request
To report any significant damage or maintenance request, please visit https://alcoverooms.com/renter-support. Alternatively, you can log into your account, click on the profile icon, select 'Support,' and then choose the corresponding category to submit your request. All repair requests for any wear and tear items are subject to Landlord approval.