Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage: What a Landlord Can Deduct

All four states Depositsheet covers bar deductions for normal wear and tear: faded paint, light scuffs, worn carpet in walkways, small nail holes. Damage beyond that — holes in walls, burns, broken blinds, pet stains — can be charged at a reasonable cost.

California also lists what the deposit can be used for — unpaid rent, repairing damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, cleaning to return the unit to its move-in level of cleanliness, and restoring personal property if the lease allows (§1950.5(b)). New York limits it to unpaid rent, damage beyond wear and tear, unpaid utilities and moving and storing the tenant's belongings (§7-108(1-a)(b)).

Write each deduction as a specific item with a cost: “Repaint bedroom wall (crayon drawings) — $185, invoice 2211” is far harder to dispute than “Painting — $300”. Keep the receipt and before-and-after photos. Depositsheet flags lines whose wording sounds like wear and tear and lines with no receipt.

Last reviewed 2026-11-04. General information, not legal advice. Check your lease and your state and local law.