Security Deposit Deductions for Holes in Walls
Drywall repair for real holes is chargeable, but the wall assembly has a very long life, so proration matters less than getting the repair cost right.
Normal wear — not chargeable
Small nail and pin holes and anchor marks from hanging pictures are normal wear.
Damage — chargeable
Fist-sized holes, doorknob punctures, and large anchor damage are chargeable drywall repair.
Worked example
Cost to fix: $300 · Useful life: 20 years · Age at move-out: 5 years · Life remaining: 75%. Typically chargeable: $225 — not the full $300.
Charge the actual patch-and-paint cost. Because drywall's useful life is long (15–25 years), the prorated charge stays close to the repair cost.
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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.
Questions people ask
- Can a landlord charge for holes in the walls?
- Fist-sized holes, doorknob punctures, and large anchor damage are chargeable drywall repair. The useful life commonly assigned to drywall is 15–25 years, so the charge is prorated by how much of it remained.
- What counts as normal wear here?
- Small nail and pin holes and anchor marks from hanging pictures are normal wear.
- How is the chargeable amount calculated?
- Multiply the cost by the share of useful life remaining. Example: $300 at 5 years old on a 20-year life leaves 75%, so about $225 is typically chargeable.