The security deposit can only be used to fix and repair any damages caused by the tenant. Normal wear and tear is not able to be claimed by the owner. So what is normal ” Wear and Tear”? Here are some examples of normal wear and tear and what can affect the security deposit.

Electrical

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Worn out electrical switches

Windows & Window Coverings

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Frayed or broken pull strings on blinds
  • Faded drapes, blinds, or curtains
  • Heat blistered blinds
  • Sticky windows

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Broken drapery rods
  • Torn or missing blinds, curtains, or drapes
  • Blinds with bent slats
  • Torn or missing screens
  • Broken windows

Walls

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Plaster cracked from settling
  • Faded, cracked, or chipped paint
  • Peeling or loose wallpaper
  • Small pin holes from penny nails or thumb tacks

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Holes in the walls from nails, shelving or hanging pictures
  • Repainted walls using a non-matching color
  • Holes and scuff marks on walls
  • Unapproved paint job
  • Ripped or marked-up wallpaper
  • Unfinished patch work

Ceilings

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Stain on ceiling from rain or plumbing

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Stains on ceiling from overflowed bath tub
  • Stains from unreported leaks

Doors

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Worn out keys
  • Loose or stubborn door locks
  • Loose door hinges or door handles
  • Closet doors off track

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Lost keys
  • Broken or missing locks
  • Damage to doors from forced entry
  • Damaged or missing doors

Floors

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Worn carpets
  • Carpet seam unglued
  • Scuffed up wood floors
  • Linoleum worn thin

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Torn, stained, or burnt carpeting
  • Badly scratched or gouged wood floors
  • Linoleum with tears or holes
  • Pet Odors

Kitchen

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Worn countertops

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Burns or cuts in countertops

Plumbing

Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Toilets run or wobble
  • Loose or inoperable faucet handles

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Broken toilet seats or tank tops
  • Broken or missing faucet handles
  • Clogged drains from misuse

Misc

Tenant Caused Damage:

  • Intentional alterations to the premises.
  • Eliminating Flea infestations caused by animals. The same for smoke damage or burning candles.
  • Excessive bathroom or appliance mold and mildew.