Can a landlord charge you for normal wear and tear?

Short answer: no. Across the country, landlords may deduct from your security deposit for unpaid rent and for damage beyond normal wear and tear — but not for the ordinary wear that comes from simply living in a place. Knowing the line is how you spot an improper deduction.

Normal wear and tear (not deductible)

• Faded or lightly scuffed paint and minor wall marks
• Small nail holes from hanging pictures
• Worn or lightly stained carpet in high-traffic areas
• Loose grout, minor caulk wear, or a few water spots
• Dusty blinds or a door that sticks

Damage (potentially deductible)

• Large holes in walls or doors
• Pet stains and odor, or heavily torn/burned carpet
• Broken fixtures, windows, or appliances
• Unapproved paint colors that must be redone
• Filth requiring far more than routine cleaning

Age matters too: a landlord can't charge you the full price to replace a 9-year-old carpet that was already near the end of its useful life. Many courts reduce (or reject) such claims.

What to do if you were wrongly charged

Take dated move-out photos if you still can, review the itemized statement your landlord sent (they're required to provide one in most states), and send a demand letter disputing the wear-and-tear deductions. Check your state's deadline and penalty first — if your landlord also missed the return deadline, they may owe you everything back plus a penalty.