Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 26, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
"Normal wear and tear" is the gradual, expected aging of a rental from ordinary use, and a landlord cannot deduct it from your security deposit. Damage is harm beyond ordinary use, and that can be deducted. The line between the two drives most deposit fights. Here's how to tell which side something falls on.
Walls fade, paint chips around switches, and furniture leaves small scuffs. That's normal aging. Repainting is the landlord's cost, even if the lease says otherwise.
Carpet thins where people walk. The IRS treats most apartment carpet as 5-year property, so worn carpet often can't be charged to you, especially if it was already old at move-in.
A handful of standard picture-hanger holes are normal, and filling them is the landlord's cost. Fist-sized holes, or 50 holes throughout the unit, are damage.
Wine and pet stains, cigarette burns, and rips beyond ordinary wear are chargeable damage, but only at the carpet's depreciated value, not the price of new carpet.
Most states require an itemized list within 14-30 days of move-out. A line like "Cleaning fee - $300" with no detail usually isn't enough. Demand a breakdown, or file in small claims court.
More on this topic: the Renting hub
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.