Normal Wear vs. Tenant Damage
Landlords cannot charge for normal wear and tear. Learn the difference to protect your deposit.
The Key Legal Principle
Every state prohibits landlords from deducting for "normal wear and tear." This means deterioration that results from ordinary, everyday use of the property. Only damage beyond normal wear—caused by negligence, carelessness, or abuse—can be charged to the tenant.
Carpet & Flooring
Useful Life: 8-10 yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Worn areas from regular foot traffic
- •Fading from sunlight exposure
- •Minor matting in high-traffic areas
- •Small furniture indentations
- •Slight discoloration from age
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Large stains from spills (wine, bleach, pet urine)
- •Burns from cigarettes or irons
- •Tears, rips, or holes
- •Pet damage (scratches, chewing)
- •Water damage from tenant negligence
Note: Most states require landlords to apply depreciation. A 7-year-old carpet that was damaged may only justify a small charge.
Paint & Walls
Useful Life: 2-3 yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Minor scuffs and marks from furniture
- •Fading from sunlight
- •Small nail holes from hanging pictures
- •Slight discoloration around light switches
- •Hairline cracks from settling
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Large holes requiring patching
- •Unauthorized paint colors
- •Crayon, marker, or graffiti
- •Water stains from tenant negligence
- •Excessive nail holes (dozens)
- •Wallpaper removal damage
Note: Paint has a short useful life. After 2-3 years, landlords generally expect to repaint regardless of tenant.
Appliances
Useful Life: 10-15 yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Gradual wear from regular use
- •Minor scratches on surfaces
- •Faded knobs or handles
- •Worn gaskets and seals
- •Normal mechanical wear
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Broken parts from misuse
- •Burn marks on stovetops
- •Missing shelves or drawers
- •Damage from improper cleaning
- •Dents from impact
Note: Appliances that break from normal use are the landlord's responsibility to repair or replace.
Blinds & Window Coverings
Useful Life: 5-7 yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Fading from sun exposure
- •Dust accumulation
- •Minor cord fraying
- •Slight warping from heat
- •Normal operational wear
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Broken slats from impact
- •Missing sections
- •Pet chewing damage
- •Torn or ripped fabric blinds
- •Bent or mangled from mishandling
Light Fixtures & Electrical
Useful Life: 10+ yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Burned out bulbs
- •Slight discoloration of covers
- •Loose switch plates from use
- •Minor dust buildup
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Broken glass globes or covers
- •Exposed or damaged wiring
- •Missing fixtures entirely
- •Scorch marks from misuse
Plumbing & Bathroom
Useful Life: 10-20 yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Mineral deposits around faucets
- •Worn caulking
- •Slow drains from normal use
- •Worn toilet seat
- •Minor grout discoloration
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Clogged drains from foreign objects
- •Broken toilet tank/lid
- •Damaged fixtures from improper use
- •Mold from tenant negligence
- •Missing fixtures (towel bars, etc.)
Doors & Locks
Useful Life: 15-20 yearsNormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Sticky locks from normal use
- •Minor scratches on doors
- •Worn weatherstripping
- •Squeaky hinges
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Holes in doors
- •Broken locks from forced entry
- •Missing doors or screens
- •Pet scratches on doors
- •Broken door frames
General Cleanliness
Useful Life: N/ANormal Wear (NOT Chargeable)
- •Light dust accumulation
- •Minor soap scum in bathroom
- •Slight grease near stove
- •Normal lived-in condition
Damage (May Be Chargeable)
- •Heavy grease buildup
- •Mold or mildew from neglect
- •Excessive trash or debris
- •Pest infestations from uncleanliness
- •Strong odors requiring professional treatment
Note: Many states prohibit automatic cleaning fees. Landlords can only charge for cleaning beyond what's needed to return the unit to move-in condition.