DEPRECIATION CALCULATOR
Everything in your rental property has a legal lifespan. Once we calculate the depreciation, you'll see exactly what your landlord should actually be claiming.
THE HIDDEN RULE
The ATO (Australian Taxation Office) has set specific useful lifespans for every item landlords claim depreciation on. Carpet lasts 8–10 years. Paint lasts 7 years. Blinds last 5 years. Once an item reaches the end of its useful life, the landlord can claim absolutely zero.
But it gets better. Even before an item reaches the end of its life, the landlord can only claim the depreciated value — not the full replacement cost. A 3-year-old carpet from a 10-year lifespan has lost 30% of its value. The landlord can only claim 70% of what they paid. If they're claiming the full $3,000, they're breaking the law.
This is where landlords slip up. They know the depreciation law exists, but they don't calculate it correctly. Or they ignore it entirely. Either way, renters end up paying for items that should cost them nothing.
REAL EXAMPLES
7 years old — 10 year lifespan
CLAIMED
$3,000
FAIR VALUE
$900
8 years old — 7 year lifespan
CLAIMED
$1,800
FAIR VALUE
$0
4 years old — 5 year lifespan
CLAIMED
$600
FAIR VALUE
$120
6 years old — 5 year lifespan
CLAIMED
$900
FAIR VALUE
$0
COMPLETE COVERAGE
Carpet
8–10 years
Interior paint
7 years
Blinds
5 years
Curtains
5–7 years
Light fittings
5 years
Door hardware
10 years
Vinyl flooring
10 years
Timber flooring
15–20 years
Tiles
20+ years
Shower heads
10 years
Taps & fittings
10 years
Cupboards
15 years
40+ item categories tracked. All based on official ATO depreciation schedules.
THE IMPACT
25%
of renters lose part of their bond
40+
Item categories tracked
ATO
Official schedules used
See exactly what your landlord should be claiming. Get your number in seconds.
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