Start with the facts behind the charge
“Normal wear and tear” is not a magic phrase that makes every charge disappear, but it is a central concept in many state deposit laws. The practical question is whether the condition resulted from normal use and aging or from negligence, abuse, accident or other tenant-caused damage.
Documents worth gathering
- Move-in condition records
- Move-out photos
- Length of tenancy
- Age and expected condition of the item
- Maintenance history and prior damage
Questions to work through
- Would this condition normally appear through ordinary use over time?
- Was the item already old or worn?
- Is there a specific incident that caused the damage?
- Is the landlord charging for improvement rather than restoration?
- How does your state define or treat ordinary wear?
Examples are fact-sensitive
Small nail holes, faded paint, traffic wear and aging carpet may be treated differently from large holes, burns, pet damage or major stains. State law, agency guidance and the actual evidence control more than generic online examples.
Verified state guides
The rule can change by state. These RentBillCheck pages have already been checked against primary or official sources.
Texas normal wear
Texas defines normal wear and tear in statute.New York normal wear
Covered deposit deductions exclude ordinary wear.Arizona ordinary wear
State statutes distinguish ordinary wear from tenant-caused damage.Colorado normal wear
Definition expanded under 2026 law.Georgia ordinary wear
Deposit cannot be retained for ordinary wear.North Carolina normal wear
Express statutory exclusion.Virginia reasonable wear
Damage deductions must account for reasonable wear.
Texas defines normal wear and tear in statute.New York normal wear
Covered deposit deductions exclude ordinary wear.Arizona ordinary wear
State statutes distinguish ordinary wear from tenant-caused damage.Colorado normal wear
Definition expanded under 2026 law.Georgia ordinary wear
Deposit cannot be retained for ordinary wear.North Carolina normal wear
Express statutory exclusion.Virginia reasonable wear
Damage deductions must account for reasonable wear.
Educational information only. This guide does not decide whether a particular charge is legal or valid. State law, local rules, lease language, the identity of the collector or creditor, and the evidence can change the answer.