Security Deposit Deductions for Carpet
Carpet is the single most disputed deposit deduction, because landlords charge full replacement on carpet that was already halfway through its life.
Normal wear — not chargeable
Worn traffic paths, light matting, and general fading from ordinary use are normal wear and tear — not chargeable.
Damage — chargeable
Pet stains and odor, burns, tears, and heavy staining beyond ordinary use are damage — chargeable, prorated by the carpet's remaining useful life.
Worked example
Cost to fix: $1,000 · Useful life: 5 years · Age at move-out: 4 years · Life remaining: 20%. Typically chargeable: $200 — not the full $1,000.
Standard-grade carpet is commonly assigned a 5–7 year useful life; better grades 8–10. Charge only for the life the tenant used up early.
Run the numbers
Free · No signup. Everything stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Pick a state for the return deadline.
Continue to deposit letter →CompliMaint handles the whole turn — materials and labor, price confirmed in writing.
See turnkey unit turns →Questions
What counts as normal wear here?
Worn traffic paths, light matting, and general fading from ordinary use are normal wear and tear — not chargeable.
What is chargeable as damage?
Pet stains and odor, burns, tears, and heavy staining beyond ordinary use are damage — chargeable, prorated by the carpet's remaining useful life.
How is the amount prorated?
Multiply the cost by the share of useful life remaining. In the example above, 20% remained, so about $200 is chargeable.
More items: paint · blinds · appliances · pet damage
Then: Condition Report · Unit Turn Calculator · Deposit Return Letter
Useful-life figures reference the HUD life-expectancy chart, an industry standard rather than statute. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your state's rules before sending a deduction statement.