1) Stains on carpet
2) Holes in walls
3) Scratches on appliances, floors, etc
4) Dirty or unclean appliances, floors, walls, carpets, etc
5) Burned out light bulbs (if it was working when you first rented it, it can be your responsibility… most landlords will charge $4 to $8 per light bulb, OUCH!!)
6) Furniture left behind
7) Broken Doors, windows, tiles, fixtures, faucets, appliances, etc.
8) Strong odors: Pet, smoke, food, BO, etc)

NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR: Below is a list of normal wear and tear. (These items you shouldn’t be charged for)
1) Wear patterns in carpet. (landlords are always trying to get tenants to pay for carpet– this is considered normal wear and tear)
2) Aged appliances (if an appliance is old or has issues do to normal conditions, it is considered normal wear)
3) Damage from something out of your control. (if the property was damaged due to storm, flood, fire etc and wasn’t your fault it is considered normal wear)
4) Peeling Paint
5) Some nail holes. (a few nail holes hear and there are okay)
6) Faulty wiring
7) Plumbing issues (unless caused by you)

Now this isn’t a complete list, but it should give you a better idea. Bottom line, if you feel a deposit charge isn’t fair; you’re probably right. To dispute a deposit charge you can file a complaint here: http://www.rentalprotectionagency.com/complaint_center.php

Peace,

Rebecca