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Dealing with a tenant demanding their full security deposit back after damages

landlord advicesecurity depositrental disputes
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Plamen_25
Joined:
29.01.2024
Posts: 960
Topic Starter
13.02.2025 01:23
I'm currently in a bit of a standoff with a tenant who just moved out of my rental property. They are insisting on a full security deposit refund, despite the fact that there are clear scuff marks on the walls, a broken blind, and a stained carpet in the bedroom. I have photos of the condition from before they moved in and a copy of the signed move-in inspection report, but they are claiming these are just 'normal wear and tear.' I want to be fair, but I don't think I should have to pay out of pocket to fix these issues. Has anyone dealt with this kind of pushback before and how did you handle it?
15 replies in this topic
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Niko_N
Joined:
20.10.2022
Posts: 2287
05.03.2025 02:30
Honestly, that sounds like typical tenant behavior. Stand your ground since you have the move-in inspection report and photos.
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ZlatnaRuka
Joined:
11.04.2022
Posts: 421
13.03.2025 05:02
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the first reply. Definitely don't fold. If you have the documentation, you have the upper hand.
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Oskar_Z
Joined:
19.10.2024
Posts: 1128
08.04.2025 06:31
Scuff marks on the walls are usually considered wear and tear in many jurisdictions, but broken blinds and stained carpets are definitely damage. You need to itemize the deductions clearly.
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Hani_B
Joined:
08.05.2024
Posts: 676
09.05.2025 08:45
In reply to a previous post
To the person above, I disagree. Scuffs are one thing, but if they are deep gouges, that's damage. OP, check your local laws on what constitutes 'normal wear and tear' specifically.
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jacek_bg
Joined:
17.08.2021
Posts: 1341
17.05.2025 02:00
Take the photos and the receipts for the repairs to small claims court if they push it. Most tenants back down once they realize you're serious about legal action.
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Selekcioner
Joined:
06.04.2024
Posts: 428
14.06.2025 18:46
In reply to a previous post
Exactly what I was going to say! Don't let them bully you into paying for their negligence.
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Roman_88
Joined:
15.10.2020
Posts: 2207
01.07.2025 08:32
How long did they live there? If it was only a year, that carpet definitely shouldn't be stained.
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Hani_B
Joined:
07.08.2020
Posts: 2389
14.07.2025 12:59
I had a similar situation last year. I just sent them an itemized list of what I was deducting and why, with photos attached. They complained, but I didn't budge and they eventually stopped emailing.
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Kras_T
Joined:
13.04.2025
Posts: 2049
20.07.2025 07:42
In reply to a previous post
That is the best approach. Keep it professional and strictly business. Don't engage in an emotional argument over text.
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vesko_55
Joined:
28.12.2021
Posts: 50
08.09.2025 20:10
Make sure you have invoices for the repairs too, not just estimates. It makes your case much stronger.
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NqkoiNesh
Joined:
23.03.2021
Posts: 1607
05.11.2025 09:08
What does your lease agreement say about security deposits? Usually, there's a clause covering damages beyond normal wear and tear.
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Alisa_K
Joined:
22.07.2021
Posts: 85
09.11.2025 05:42
I've found that sometimes offering to split the cost for the carpet cleaning is a good middle ground if you want to avoid the headache of a dispute.
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Nadiya_D
Joined:
21.07.2023
Posts: 1948
15.12.2025 19:30
In reply to a previous post
Why should they split the cost if the tenant ruined it? I wouldn't offer a dime. The deposit is there for a reason.
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tech_geek_bg
Joined:
26.06.2022
Posts: 2254
29.01.2026 22:31
This is exactly why I do a walkthrough with the tenant present when they move out. It prevents these 'he said, she said' situations.
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Iva_R
Joined:
13.01.2023
Posts: 2352
30.03.2026 03:22
In reply to a previous post
Good luck, OP. It's a stressful process, but you have the evidence, so you should be fine.

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