Are Nail Holes Normal Wear and Tear?
Small nail holes are the classic example of normal wear and tear — and the classic over-charge.
Normal wear — not chargeable
A reasonable number of small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures is normal wear and generally not chargeable.
Damage — chargeable
Dozens of holes, large anchors, or damage that requires more than spot patch-and-paint can cross into chargeable — but it's tied to paint's short 2–3 year life.
Worked example
Cost to fix: $150 · Useful life: 3 years · Age at move-out: 3 years · Life remaining: 0%. Typically chargeable: $0 — not the full $150.
If you're repainting anyway at the end of a normal tenancy, filling ordinary nail holes is part of that turnover cost, not a tenant charge.
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What counts as normal wear here?
A reasonable number of small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures is normal wear and generally not chargeable.
What is chargeable as damage?
Dozens of holes, large anchors, or damage that requires more than spot patch-and-paint can cross into chargeable — but it's tied to paint's short 2–3 year life.
How is the amount prorated?
Multiply the cost by the share of useful life remaining. In the example above, 0% remained, so about $0 is chargeable.
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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.