Can my landlord take money from my deposit for normal wear and tear?

No. A landlord can't keep your deposit for normal wear and tear, only for damage beyond it or for a place left very dirty.

Normal wear and tear is what ordinary living does over time: faded paint, a few nail holes, carpet worn thin where people walk, doors that stick. You don't have to replace things that simply wore out, like old carpet.

Damage is different: big holes in walls, burns or stains in carpet, broken windows, pet mess, or paint colors the landlord didn't approve.

Take dated photos of every room when you move in and again when you move out. If a deduction looks wrong, ask in writing for an itemized list. The exact rules depend on your state.

Source: Idaho Office of the Attorney General, What Is Normal Wear and Tear? (published by Idaho Legal Aid Services) · Checked November 2026

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