Delhi High Court: Landlords cannot charge tenants for routine repainting on exit

The Delhi High Court has ruled that tenants are not automatically liable for repainting costs or minor repairs when vacating a property. The court drew a clear distinction between normal wear and tear, which is the landlord's responsibility, and actual damage deliberately or negligently caused by tenants. Routine repainting falls under the landlord's duties and cannot be billed to departing tenants. However, significant damage such as removal of fittings may be charged to tenants, provided the landlord furnishes proof and fairly apportions the costs.