Furnishings and fixtures in rental properties are wearing out 30% faster than before the pandemic, according to an assessment from industry sources.
Key Findings
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Furnishings and fixtures in rental homes are wearing out 30% faster than pre-pandemic levels.
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This is driven by the rise in remote working, with 41% of people now working from home at some point during the year, up from 26.7% pre-pandemic.
Declining Lifespans of Common Items
| Item | Pre-Pandemic Lifespan | Current Lifespan | % Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium quality carpet | 8 years | 5.6 years | -30% |
| Standard sofa | 8 years | 5.6 years | -30% |
| Painting/decorating (HLS)* | 3 years | 2.1 years | -30% |
Cost Increases for Landlords
| Item | Old Annual Cost | New Annual Cost | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | £138 | £196 | +£59 |
| Sofa | £63 | £89 | +£27 |
| Painting/Decorating | £533 | £762 | +£229 |
Calls for Reform
📘 Inventory Base Recommendations:
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Update the Housing Act 1998
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Redefine “normal use” to reflect remote work realities.
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Revise Tenancy Deposit Scheme Guidelines
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Adjust depreciation schedules based on increased in-home use.
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Broaden Court Interpretations
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Recognise remote work-related usage as reasonable in tenancy disputes.
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Industry Concerns:
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Tenants are increasingly penalised for “damage” that is actually normal wear and tear.
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Landlords face rising replacement costs without updated frameworks to recoup or adjust expectations.
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Current guidelines lag behind lifestyle shifts, creating disputes and inconsistencies across the rental sector.
Industry Commentary
“The pressure on rental properties has changed. Yet, the guidelines and expectations around wear and tear haven’t kept up.”
— Inventory Base spokesperson
They stress that without an urgent update to definitions and expectations, the system will continue to create conflict between landlords and tenants, especially over tenancy deposit disputes.
Next Steps
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Policy change to bring legislation in line with post-pandemic living.
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Sector-wide guidance updates to clarify depreciation and fair use.
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Tenant protections to prevent unfair deductions linked to normal, remote work-related usage.
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