Normal wear and tear vs damage in a rental

Landlords can usually charge for damage but not for the ordinary aging of a place you lived in. Where the line falls matters for your deposit. These everyday examples show how people usually tell the two apart.

Updated October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules about rentals differ by state, province and city, so check yours.

Walk the whole place and photograph it as it is. This clip: the side of a house after a branch came down.

What normal wear and tear usually looks like

Faded paint or small scuffs where furniture sat.
Light wear on carpet in walkways.
Small nail holes from hanging pictures, where your lease allows it.
Worn finish on a cabinet handle or a counter edge.
Loose door handles or hinges from years of use.

What damage usually looks like

Large holes in a wall or door.
Deep stains, burns or pet damage in carpet.
Cracked tile, broken windows or damaged blinds.
Missing fixtures or appliances.
Unapproved paint colors or modifications.

Why the length of your stay matters

Paint, carpet and fixtures all age. The same scuff can be normal wear after five years and a problem after five months. That is one reason dated photos from move-in matter: they show what was already there.

How to photograph the difference

Take a wide shot to show where it is, then a close shot with something for scale. If the issue is old or was there when you arrived, point to your move-in photos. See security deposit photos and the move-in inspection checklist.

If your landlord disagrees

Ask for an itemized list of charges and compare it to your photos. Rules on what can be charged and by when vary by state, province and city. Dingkeep is not a law firm, so check your local rules or a local tenant resource.

In Dingkeep. Photograph the spot and tap I want to put something here to get a way to hang or place an item that stays within ordinary wear, with no drilling.

Dingkeep: Renter Photo Record. iPhone, United States and Canada.

Questions renters ask

Are nail holes normal wear and tear?

Small nail holes from hanging pictures are often treated as normal wear, but your lease and local rules decide. Ask before you put in anything larger.

Can a landlord charge for carpet that is worn?

Ordinary wear is generally not chargeable, while stains and burns may be. It often depends on how old the carpet was and what it looked like at move-in.

What is the best proof of normal wear?

Dated move-in photos of the same area, plus a record of when you told your landlord about issues.