8 years at residence (rentals, how much, month to)

[JessicaKori]

Recently my husband, my two children and I moved out of a home we had been renting for 8 years. For the last 7 years we have been on a month to month lease and landlord gave us notice as he is selling the house. I am curious what would be considered "normal wear and tear". While living there we advised the landlord numerous times of mold and the bathroom needing fixed which was never fixed until of course we are moving out and they are selling home. My husband fixed swamp cooler every year, he built fence (which landlord supplied wood), we spoke to neighbor regarding building the fence (husband was advised by landlord to talk to neighbor if he wanted paid for time), he did not as it is NOT our responsibility it is landlords, we updated ceiling fan, added new light fixtures, and painted (which landlord approved). We left all fixtures at the home when left. We feel that granted we should not have done some of this the landlord had it pretty easy. Is here anyone that has any advice that has experienced this?

[SelwaySasquatch]

Never stayed in a rental more than three years, and always left better than found.
I considered us dream-tenants; always paid early, low maintenance, rare complaints.
There are degrees of how much a landlord will take advantage of good tenants.
Over the course of several rentals, we experienced a wide range.
Not sure what you're asking exactly, but my advice would be walk away knowing
you did right, and if you feel you got back less that you invested, consider it tuition.
Owning is a much better place to be in.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Is there a question in there?

Normal wear and tear is anything that would happen no matter who lives in the house. Sun fading, fibers wearing, water heater getting older.... dirt and damage are not wear and tear.

[reenzz]

Advice on what?

[Lacerta]

Has the landlord said that there was a problem? Sounds to me like you are freaking out over something that hasn't happened yet. Wait and see what the landlord does with your security deposit before you freak out. Then, if there is a problem, come back and ask for specific advice on what happened.

I'm curious though, you mentioned fixing the swamp cooler. "Evaporative" is a field on the local MLS, but I've never seen a listing that had it marked, and no rental we have ever managed has had one. Did you just mean the air conditioner? Not a big deal, just curious, since they are practically unheard of around here.