{"id":53817,"date":"2026-04-28T14:51:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T06:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/?p=53817"},"modified":"2026-05-14T21:29:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T13:29:59","slug":"wear-and-tear-malaysia-landlord-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wear-and-tear-malaysia-landlord-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Wear and Tear vs Damage in Malaysia: What Landlords Can Actually Deduct (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wear and tear in Malaysia means visible deterioration from normal use, assessed from 2 metres distance.<\/strong> If a mark or defect is not visible from 2 metres away, it is not claimable damage under your rental protection plan. This guide covers what you can actually deduct from a tenant\u2019s deposit, what you cannot, and the most common landlord mistakes that cost you money in disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regional note:<\/strong> Laws cited in this article \u2014 including the Specific Relief Act 1950 and Distress Act 1951 \u2014 apply to Peninsular Malaysia<\/strong>. Sarawak and Sabah operate under separate state legislation (Sarawak Tenancy Ordinance Cap. 70; Sabah state statutes). If you are in East Malaysia, verify the applicable laws in your state before taking action. This is general information, not legal advice.<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Based on 1,200+ Homerunner end-of-tenancy inspections annually, SPEEDHOME has built a clear framework for what counts as legitimate damage claims versus normal wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The 2-Metre Eye Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you cannot see a mark or defect from 2 metres away, it is fair wear and tear\u2014not claimable damage.<\/strong> This is the fundamental principle that SPEEDHOME\u2019s Homerunner inspectors use on every end-of-tenancy assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Claimable vs Not Claimable<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Comparison<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Think of your rental protection plan like car insurance. It covers accidental damage and unexpected failures, not routine maintenance or age-related wear.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

Item<\/th>Claimable?<\/th>Claim Type<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Dirty kitchen \/ greasy rangehood<\/td>Yes<\/td>Inconvenience Benefit (cleaning)<\/td><\/tr>
AC chemical wash needed<\/td>No<\/td>Maintenance (landlord cost)<\/td><\/tr>
AC not cooling (no visible damage)<\/td>No<\/td>Mechanical failure \/ warranty<\/td><\/tr>
Torn sofa armrest<\/td>Yes (repair cost)<\/td>Household Content<\/td><\/tr>
Broken wall-mounted cabinet door<\/td>Yes<\/td>Inconvenience Benefit<\/td><\/tr>
Yellowing paint (3+ year tenancy)<\/td>No<\/td>Wear and tear<\/td><\/tr>
Hole in wall from picture hook<\/td>Yes<\/td>Inconvenience Benefit<\/td><\/tr>
Stolen appliance<\/td>Yes (depreciated)<\/td>Theft (police report required)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Depreciation Applies to Everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depreciation is non-negotiable.<\/strong> If your tenant breaks a 5-year-old refrigerator, you are compensated at market value of a 5-year-old fridge, not the cost of a new one. A 10-year-old washing machine that fails has near-zero claim value. Homerunner estimates depreciation at approximately 80% accuracy\u2014final insurer assessments may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Six Most Common Landlord Mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n