Under what circumstance can a tenant be liable for more than normal wear and tear?

A tenant can be held liable for damages that are beyond normal wear and tear when those damages are a result of deliberate actions or negligence. Normal wear and tear refers to the expected deterioration of property that occurs through ordinary use; however, if a tenant intentionally damages the property or fails to take reasonable care, they can be found responsible for the extra costs associated with repairing such damages.

For instance, if a tenant intentionally punches holes in the walls or fails to keep the property in a reasonable condition, these actions would surpass what one would typically expect from regular usage. This principle allows landlords to seek compensation for repairs that exceed the normal wear that occurs over time, maintaining the integrity and value of their property.

In contrast, damages caused by natural occurrences or random accidents do not usually fall under a tenant's liability, as they are considered part of the expected risks of property ownership. A short-term lease itself doesn't automatically make a tenant more liable for damages beyond wear and tear unless the situation involves actions that are deliberate or negligent.