Is it legal/reasonable for my property manager to deduct $350 for 6 small picture hanger holes?
Moving out after a 2-year lease where we kept the apartment in near-perfect condition.
On the move-out inspection sheet, the landlord cited "Sheetrock wall patching and repaint required" and deducted $350 from our $1,800 security deposit. There were literally 6 tiny finish nail holes from framed artwork. No anchors, no structural damage, and we even offered to spackle them.
Under most state standard tenant laws, doesn't hanging artwork qualify as normal wear and tear? How have others successfully disputed excessive move-out deposit deductions without hiring a lawyer?
Neighbor Replies (1)
Send them a certified dispute letter citing your state security deposit statute. In almost all jurisdictions, small nail holes under 1/8" for reasonable decorative hanging are legally considered non-deductible ordinary wear and tear.