"Normal wear and tear" is the gradual, expected aging of a rental from ordinary use — and your landlord cannot deduct it from your security deposit. Damage, on the other hand, is what happens beyond ordinary use. The line between them is the single biggest source of security-deposit fights, so here's how to tell which side you're on.
Walls fade, paint chips slightly around switches, and small scuffs from furniture are considered normal. Repainting is the landlord's cost — even if your lease says otherwise.
Carpet thins where people walk. The IRS considers most apartment carpet to have a 5–7 year useful life, so even worn-out carpet often can't be charged to you, especially if it was old when you moved in.
A handful of standard picture-hanger holes are normal. Filling and patching them is the landlord's cost. Holes the size of a fist, or 50 holes throughout the unit, are damage.
Wine stains, pet stains, cigarette burns, and rips beyond ordinary wear are damage you can be charged for — but only the depreciated value, not the cost of brand-new carpet.
Most states require an itemized list within 14–30 days of move-out. "Cleaning fee — $300" with no detail is usually not enough; you can demand more detail or sue in small claims court.
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