The same case also considered a claim by a landlord for the replacement of a table and chairs. The evidence showed that the items were either missing or damaged beyond repair.

Documents produced showed that the items were purchased in 1992 making them 15 years old at the time the tenancy ended. It was found by the Tribunal that these items had been depreciated fully and that the tenant was not liable to compensate the landlord for that part of the claim.

CARPET

We have often referred to life expectancy o carpet or carpet tiles. Another recent case in the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal has confirmed that the rule of thumb is that carpet has a life expectancy of 10 years in rented premises.

Mann v Smith (Tenancy) [2008] NSWCTTT 853 (20 February 2008)