Normal wear and tear is the natural deterioration from ordinary use. Landlords cannot charge for it. Understanding the line is the difference between getting your deposit back and losing hundreds to improper deductions.
Normal Wear and Tear — Cannot Deduct
- Carpet worn flat from foot traffic
- Minor wall scuffs from furniture
- Faded or peeling paint from age
- Small nail holes from pictures
- Worn hardwood floor finish
Actual Damage — Can Deduct
- Carpet stains, burns, pet damage
- Large wall holes
- Broken fixtures or appliances
- Heavy grease buildup
Landlords must provide receipts for completed work. California courts pro-rate carpet replacement based on useful life — a 7-year-old carpet charged at full replacement is overreaching.
Claude AI Prompt 9 disputes each deduction line by line with statute citations.
Get the Kit — $47 →Educational use only. Not legal advice. Justice Foundation.
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