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What Is the Life Expectancy That MoveZen Property Management Applies to Various Types of Appliances, Flooring, and Paint?

MoveZen follows industry-standard life expectancy guidelines based on common NC property types.

Audience: rental property owners who want clarity on how long major items in a rental home typically last, how MoveZen applies depreciation, and how these factors impact security deposit decisions, turnover planning, and budgeting.

Every material in a rental home — from carpet to refrigerators to paint — has a predictable lifespan. Understanding these life expectancies is essential for:

  • Security deposit deductions

  • Turnover cost forecasting

  • Owner budgeting

  • Long-term capital planning

  • Fair and legal damage assessments

FAQs ❓

Why does life expectancy matter for security deposits?
Because NC law requires depreciation — owners cannot charge full replacement cost for aging items.

Do older items usually have $0 chargeable value?
Yes. once fully depreciated, no portion can be charged to the tenant.

Does higher-quality material last longer?
Often, yes but rental-grade life expectancy assumes typical tenant usage.

Can owners choose premium materials to reduce long-term costs?
Absolutely. LVP, durable paint, and mid-grade appliances typically provide the best ROI.

Standard Life Expectancy Guide ✔️

Below are the life expectancy ranges MoveZen uses for deposit accounting and turnover planning.

1. Flooring Life Expectancy 🧹

Carpet

  • Standard life expectancy: 5–7 years

  • High-traffic areas may wear faster

  • Pet homes may shorten lifespan

After 5–7 years → carpet is considered fully depreciated
Meaning: $0 chargeable, even if damaged.

LVP / Vinyl Plank Flooring

  • 15–20+ years

  • Highly durable

  • The best ROI for rental properties

  • Resistant to water and scratches

Hardwood (Original or Installed)

  • 20–50 years with resurfacing

  • Damage from tenants may be chargeable depending on severity

Tile Flooring

  • 20–40 years

  • Chips, cracks, or grout issues are usually damage-based

2. Paint Life Expectancy 🎨

Interior Paint

  • 3–5 years standard

  • High-traffic homes may require repainting sooner

  • After 5+ years → fully depreciated

If a tenant lived in the home 5+ years, paint is almost never chargeable.

Exterior Paint (if applicable)

  • 7–10 years depending on weather exposure

Interior paint is the primary factor during move-outs.

3. Appliance Life Expectancy 🔌

MoveZen follows HUD, NARPM, and industry benchmarks:

Refrigerator: 10–12 years

Stove/Oven: 10–15 years

Dishwasher: 7–10 years

Microwave (built-in): 7–10 years

Washer/Dryer: 7–12 years

Water Heater: 8–12 years

Garbage Disposal: 5–7 years

HVAC System: 12–18 years (varies widely)

Depreciation is applied against these numbers when assessing tenant-caused damage.

4. Fixtures & Components 🛠️

Blinds: 2–5 years

Highly prone to damage; full cost rarely chargeable due to fast depreciation.

Light Fixtures: 10+ years

Damage-based charges depend on misuse.

Smoke Detectors: 8–10 years

Required replacement — not a tenant charge.

CO Detectors: 5–7 years

Bathroom Fixtures: 7–10 years

Fading or wear is not chargeable.

Why Depreciation Matters for Owners ✔️

Understanding lifespan helps owners:

✔ Avoid expecting full replacement reimbursement for old items

✔ Budget accurately for long-term maintenance

✔ Reduce frustration over allowable deposit deductions

✔ Make smarter upgrade decisions

✔ Evaluate whether turnover costs are normal or excessive

Lifespan is not optional — it is legally required for determining tenant responsibility.

How MoveZen Applies Depreciation During Damage Assessment 🧠

When an item is damaged:

  1. We confirm whether the damage is beyond wear and tear.

  2. We determine the age of the item.

  3. We apply a prorated depreciation schedule.

  4. Only the remaining value is chargeable.

  5. Documentation supports each decision.

For example:

  • Carpet installed 6 years ago → $0 value left.

  • Dishwasher installed 4 years ago with a 10-year lifespan → 6/10 chargeable.

  • Blinds installed 3 years ago → typically fully depreciated.

Items That Are Rarely Chargeable Due to Short Lifespan ❗

  • Blinds

  • Low-grade carpet

  • Interior paint

  • Caulk

  • Grout

  • Refrigerator drawers

  • Light scratches on flooring

Most of these items have very low remaining value after a few years.

How Owners Can Use This Information to Reduce Long-Term Costs ✔️

✔ Install LVP flooring instead of carpet

✔ Use mid- to high-quality washable paint

✔ Choose durable appliances rather than the cheapest models

✔ Maintain regular preventative maintenance schedules

✔ Avoid custom finishes that are costly to replace

Durability is often cheaper over time.