Are light bulbs considered normal wear and tear?

Author: Conor Towne  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Common Wear and Tear Items Small tack and nail holes in the walls. Dirty grout / caulking. Loose door handles, toilet, faucets, or hinges. Burnt out light bulbs / appliance bulbs.

Is a light bulb normal wear and tear?

In most cases, replacing light bulbs is considered a tenant's responsibility, not wear and tear. California landlords are generally not required to replace light bulbs unless it's stated in the lease agreement.

Whose responsibility is it to replace light bulbs?

Generally, the property manager/owner may be responsible for maintaining specialised bulbs and the tenant may be responsible for the replacement of everyday bulbs. If changing a bulb requires specialist knowledge or equipment, it may be part of the property manager/owner's responsibility to maintain the property.

Is it the landlord's responsibility to replace light bulbs?

Generally: Landlord's Responsibility: In many cases, landlords are responsible for maintaining fixtures and appliances, including replacing light bulbs in common areas or fixtures provided with the rental unit.

What counts as wear and tear?

Things that fall into the wear and tear category include worn carpets, scuffed floors, chipped paint and cracks in the plaster. These are changes that happen due to everyday life and can take place in all types of property over time – and, crucially, these are unavoidable.

Normal Wear and Tear vs Excessive Tenant Damages

What is included in wear and tear?

Wear and tear simply refers to the normal deterioration that occurs as a result of day-to-day living in a property. This can include things like minor scuffs and marks on walls, worn carpet, worn bench tops, lose hinges or handles, chips or cracks here or there and fading paint.

Can landlords charge for painting when you move out?

Painting

If you have lived in the home for more than two years, more than likely the home will need to be painted, and per California law, it would be the responsibility of the owner. The exception would be if you maliciously damage the walls or painted the walls a different color.

Do you have to replace light bulbs in apartment?

Your apartment or rental house should have working lights and light bulbs throughout. But if any bulbs burn out while you're living in the rental property, you're the one who must replace them. The exception would be situations where the bulb is difficult to access, such as a high ceiling that requires a ladder.

Can you charge a tenant for light bulbs?

That is typically considered normal wear and tear. So at the end of the tenancy the landlord can't charge tenant for that maintenance. But during the tenancy, the tenant would be responsible for changing their own light bulbs.

How much does a handyman charge to change a light bulb?

Most handymen charge between $50 and $80 per hour, making an average of $150 to $600 per job. Rates depend on their specialty, experience, level of education, and whether the handyman is insured, requires specialized equipment, or services rural locations.

Who is responsible for the light bulb?

On January 27, 1880, Thomas Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light.

Who can I call to change a light bulb?

But some situations, like broken light bulbs or recessed light bulbs, may require some extra tools or supplies to change light bulbs out yourself. In these cases, it may be better to contact an electrician to ensure your safety.

What is light wear and tear?

Although there are no precise rules to follow, fair wear and tear on the fabric of the property, fixtures, fittings and furnishings is likely to include things like: settlement cracks in plaster. occasional scuff marks on walls, doors, skirting boards and hard flooring. worn carpets.

How much compensation for landlord negligence?

Calculate fair compensation by totaling your medical bills, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and lost wages. Then, add one or two times that amount for pain and suffering.

Is it normal for light bulbs to burn out?

Light bulbs burn out for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause of a burnt out light bulb is simply the passage of time. All light bulbs have a rated lifespan, which is the amount of time they are expected to last under normal operating conditions.

Are tenants responsible for replacing light bulbs?

If it's a bulb inside the unit or in an appliance that belongs to you (the renter), then it will most likely fall on you to pay for the bulbs unless your lease says otherwise. If your landlord is the one replacing the bulb, then it will most likely be your landlord buying the bulbs.

Can I replace light fixtures in rental?

While tenants may want the best lighting for their space, they must tread carefully. For modifications without the risk of additional costs, tenants need written permission from their rental providers. If, for instance, a tenant wishes to install a unique light fixture, they must get the rental provider's permission.

Can a tenant remove light fixtures?

Personal property includes items like furniture, electronics, and other belongings that the tenant brought into the rental property. However, any real property or fixtures that are permanently attached to the rental unit must remain.

Do handyman change light bulbs?

Handyman. We replace bulbs in many different types of interior and exterior fixtures. We also service electrical ballasts for a variety of different lights.

Do light bulbs need to be replaced?

It's probably something you haven't given much thought to, but the light bulbs in your house need to be replaced regularly. Many people think they can go years without replacing them, but that's not the case.

How to replace apartment light fixture?

Changing a Light Fixture – Instructions
  1. Step 1: Turn off the power. ...
  2. Step 2: Remove decorative fixture pieces. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove wiring. ...
  4. Step 4: Remove old fixture. ...
  5. Step 5: Measure and cut wires. ...
  6. Step 6: Swap hardware plates. ...
  7. Step 7: Connect wires. ...
  8. Step 8: Install and assemble.

Is painting an apartment normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear happens naturally over time with any tenant, even with care and regular maintenance. It includes things like faded paint, worn carpet, and minor scuffs or marks on walls. Normal wear and tear is expected, and it is not the tenant's responsibility to fix or pay for it.

How do you fight apartment move out charges?

Disputing move-out charges is a process that requires diligence, thorough documentation, and clear communication from both parties. By methodically reviewing charges, gathering evidence, and articulating your dispute, potentially in small claims court, you can increase your chances of resolving the matter favorably.

Why don t landlords let you paint?

No, to the contrary, most landlords choose not to let their tenants paint due to the risk of them doing a poor job or choosing colors that devalue the property. However, the landlord's decision depends greatly on the nature of the lease.

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