security deposit deduction for paint? : ezLandlordForms

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security deposit deduction for paint?

Robert S

started a topic over 9 years ago

tenant used different color paint when trying to touch up walls. paint job was 2 years old. had to paint complete unit $1,500.00. can I charge the total paint cost or pro-rate using what method.

1 Comment

Derrick D

said over 9 years ago

After a tenant moves out it is common to apply a fresh repainting. This is normal wear and tear and should not be deducted from the security deposit. However, if it was written in the lease that they may not paint the walls without permission then for the area that was painted you may be able to deduct for that portion. Has the tenant painted the whole place? Is the color so strong that it will take all new priming and expensive paint to be able to cover it? Consider all of this and make sure to break down the pricing for paint and labor, document it and make the deductions from that.