Security Deposit Deductions

Top deduction fights

• Can a Landlord Charge Cleaning Fees from a Security Deposit?

  Learn when cleaning charges are valid, what landlords must prove, and how to dispute vague or automatic "cleaning fee" deductions.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Carpet Cleaning?

  Carpet cleaning charges are common after move-out. Learn when they're legitimate, what proof matters, and how to dispute automatic carpet-cleaning fees.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Carpet Replacement?

  Carpet has a useful life. Learn how depreciation works, what counts as damage vs. wear, and what evidence helps you dispute inflated carpet charges.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Painting?

  Painting is often routine turnover maintenance. Learn when paint charges may be valid, what evidence matters, and how to dispute common paint deductions.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Nail Holes in the Wall?

  Small nail holes are often normal wear. Learn when landlords can charge, what documentation matters, and how to dispute "patch and paint" deductions.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Keys, Locks, or Rekeying?

  Lost keys can lead to charges, but rekeying fees are often inflated. Learn what's reasonable, what to request, and how to dispute overcharges.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Keep My Deposit for Pet Damage?

  Pet damage deductions require proof and reasonable costs. Learn what counts as damage vs normal wear and how to dispute exaggerated pet-related charges.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Smoke or Odor Removal?

  Odor remediation charges must be supported by proof and invoices. Learn what to ask for, how to dispute inflated deodorizing charges, and how evidence helps.

  1 min read
• Can a Landlord Charge for Mold or Water Damage?

  Mold/water claims are serious and often disputed. Learn what evidence matters, what to ask for, and how to challenge charges that lack causation proof.

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• Can a Landlord Deduct Unpaid Rent from a Security Deposit?

  Unpaid rent is a common lawful deduction, but amounts must be correct. Learn what to verify (rent ledger, proration, fees) and how to dispute inaccurate rent claims.

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• Can a Landlord Deduct Late Fees from a Security Deposit?

  Late fees may be deductible in some situations, but they must be supported by the lease and a correct ledger. Learn how to verify the fee and dispute improper charges.

  1 min read