Lifespan table for tenant damage in apartments
If you cause any damage to your rented apartment, you will have to pay for it at the latest when you move out. The lifespan table, which is based on normal wear and tear, determines how much that will be. Find out here what that means for you.
27.04.2023
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1. What is a lifespan table?
There are 20-year-old dishwashers that still work perfectly, while others give up the ghost before they’re 10. Lifespan tables show how long permanently installed home furnishings last on average. The guideline values are based on normal use.
Lifespan tables also provide a basis for calculating tenant damage due to excessive wear and tear. In Switzerland, the lifespan tables issued by the Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband tenants’ association (MV) and the Hauseigentümerverband homeowners’ association (HEV).
2. How long do dishwashers and the like last?
The table below is an extract from the lifespan table of the tenants’ association and the homeowners’ association.
| Item | Lifespan in years |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher | 15 |
| Refrigerator | 10 |
| Hob and oven | 15 |
| Laminate flooring (mid-range) | 15 |
| Parquet flooring (solid wood, glued) | 40 |
| Doors (solid wood) | 30 |
| Heat and sound-insulating windows | 25 |
| Flat roof (cement-boarded) | 30 |
| Pitched roof (tiled) | 50 |
| Lift | 30 |
| Bathroom fittings (plastic) | 10 |
| Washbasin (ceramic) | 35 |
3. When do I have to pay for tenant damage?
Does the appliance no longer function properly due to improper use? In that case, you as the tenant have to pay for the replacement. It would be improper use to overfill the dishwasher, for example.
4. Lifespan table: calculation of tenant damage
Tenants are only liable for the fair value. You can determine the fair value by subtracting the actual age of the item from its lifespan. You don’t need to pay anything if the lifespan has expired.
Here’s an example: a broken dishwasher is 10 years old. The average lifespan is 15 years. 15 minus 10 years equals 5 years, which is one third of the lifespan. Therefore, you only have to pay one third of the new price.
Tip: you can claim for damage under your personal liability insurance. This will generally cover unforeseen tenant damage.
5. Drawing up a detailed apartment handover protocol
Organizing your own move to a new apartment takes a great deal of time and energy. You should not forget about the apartment handover protocol. You can find out more about the topic in the article on the apartment handover protocol.
This article was first published on 03.11.2020
