How do you determine what normal wear and tear is???

[Gisela Pallares]

Hi all,

I currently own a duplex. Live in one side and rent the other. Have had my current tennants for 2 years now and they have always been good with rent. Through these couple of years, there has been repairs that we have had to take care of not very major for the most part. Since we live on the other side and the units have the same exact appliances they are in the same condition, I am beginning to question wether some things are normal wear and tear or not. Since I've owned this unit nothing has needed repairs though my tenants have had mostly all appliances that need to be replaced or repaired and I am beggining to question at what point do I consider it normal wear and tear and at what point do I charge them? I know this is pretty veg but just as an example, we have had the exact washer/dryer not new but in very good condition about 5 years old and installed at the same time and theirs no longer works. The garbage dispenser was also fairly new and they clogged it so we reset it worked for a couple days and then had to buy a new one. Never charged them for it because I didn't really have anything to back it up with. This may be a silly question but I dont know what the best way to approach it.  Recently there is always things needing repair when we have never had any issues. Any suggestions?