Audit unfair landlord deposit charges before you forfeit a dollar
Classify twelve disputed move-out charges under ordinary wear-and-tear exclusions and prorated useful-life rules, verify your 25-point room inspection, and generate a formal return demand letter.
1. Can my landlord deduct this? Interactive wear-vs-damage classifier
Click any of the twelve common move-out deductions below to see whether it is excluded as ordinary wear and tear or capped by the prorated useful-life depreciation rule.
Ordinary Wear & Tear (Unlawful Deduction)
Faded paint after 24+ months
Standard useful-life benchmark
2 to 3 years (standard flat interior rental paint)
Maximum lawful charge formula
$0.00 lawful tenant charge after standard paint cycle or minor scuffs
Diagnostic principle
UV fading, minor furniture rub marks, and hairline settling cracks after two or more years of occupancy are textbook ordinary wear. Routine turnover repainting is a landlord operating expense, never a security deposit deduction.
Prorated depreciation rule in practice
Standard flat interior rental paint carries a 24-to-36-month useful life. Once paint reaches 36 months of age, its remaining depreciable value is $0.00.
Best tenant proof to attach
Wide-angle move-in vs. move-out wall photos in daylight plus lease start/end dates.
Check off each inspection proof across Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Area, Bedrooms, and Floors/Walls, then print your completed evidence summary.
0 of 25 inspection proofs verified (0% audit readiness)
Kitchen inspection checkpoints
Bathroom inspection checkpoints
Living Area inspection checkpoints
Bedrooms inspection checkpoints
Floors/Walls inspection checkpoints
3. Instant formal security deposit return & dispute letter generator
Fill in your tenancy details to generate a crisp, polite, Certified-Mail-ready demand letter citing ordinary wear exclusions and useful-life depreciation caps.
Can my landlord charge full replacement cost for old carpet at move-out?
No. Even when pet stains or burns occur, the Prorated Useful-Life Depreciation Rule bars 'new-for-old' betterment. Standard rental carpet has a 5-to-7-year useful life; if 5-year carpet was 4 years old at move-out, at most 20% of documented replacement cost is recoverable: and $0 if the wear is ordinary foot traffic.
Are faded paint and small picture-hook holes deductible from a security deposit?
No. UV-faded paint after 24+ months, light furniture scuffs, and small brad or picture-hook pinholes are ordinary wear and tear. Standard flat rental paint depreciates over 2 to 3 years.
What makes a security deposit demand letter effective?
State your move-out and key-return date, total deposit paid, exact disputed items citing ordinary wear and useful-life depreciation, a request for paid contractor receipts, your forwarding address, and a firm 7-to-14-day return deadline sent via Certified Mail.
Can a landlord deduct a standard cleaning fee when I left the apartment clean?
In most jurisdictions, landlords can only deduct cleaning required to cure actual dirt beyond move-in condition ('broom-clean' or equivalent). Timestamped photos inside the oven, refrigerator, bathroom, and swept floors defeat automatic turnover maid fees.
How should I deliver my deposit dispute letter for small-claims proof?
Mail a signed paper copy via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested and email an identical PDF copy on the same day so delivery and statutory notice dates are indisputable.