property damage
wear and tear
security deposit laws
legal guidance
Wear and Tear vs. Property Damage: The Landlord's Legal Dilemma
Metro Landlord Legal June 5, 2026 6 views
Knowing what you can legally deduct from a security deposit is critical. Learn to distinguish normal wear from actual tenant damage.
Avoid statutory penalties by learning what counts as legal damage.
1. Wear Definitions
Faded paint lanes, minor carpet thinning, and worn metal plumbing plating.
2. Actionable Damage
Holes in drywall, extensive pet gouges, broken mirrors, and stained vinyl flooring.
3. Asset Lifespan Math
Depreciate assets fairly based on standard lifespans before billing tenants.
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