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Q.What kind of repairs and damage can the landlord deduct from my security deposit?
A.California Civil Code Section 1950.5 specifically allows the landlord to use a tenant's security deposit for: (1) For cleaning the rental unit when the tenant moves out, but only to make the unit as clean as it was when the tenant first moved in; (2) repairing damages, other than normal wear and tear, caused by the tenant or the tenant's guests; and (3) If the rental agreement or lease allows it, for the cost of replacing lost or damaged keys, laundry cards, garage door openers, etc.., other than because of normal wear and tear.
Before a tenant leaves a rental, the tenant should take pictures of everything (the building, each room, the doors, windows, every defect whether noticed by the landlord or not. Defects (holes, chips, cracks, and other damage) should be captured at a distance and close-up with an object like a quarter to put the size of the defect in perspective.
Tenant's you are not required to paint or fill holes, unless you painted the walls another color or your lease prohibited the hanging of pictures .
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