I'm willing to accept a $800 deduction from my security deposit for the larger wall holes and the cabinet door, which I acknowledge may be my responsibility. The rest should be returned as normal wear and tear. Total refund: $1,700.

The tenant claims these were pre-existing conditions, but our move-in inspection clearly shows otherwise. The photos don't lie - this is damage beyond normal wear and tear. I maintained the property well during their tenancy.

The carpet stains were mostly there when I moved in, just not well documented. The kitchen grease buildup is minor and normal for a year+ of cooking. The countertop water damage was pre-existing - I reported a leak to the landlord 6 months ago.

The wall holes the landlord shows were mostly from hanging pictures and mirrors - normal for any tenant. I removed my furniture carefully. The large holes might have been there already, as my move-in photos show some wall damage.

According to state law and tenant rights documentation, normal wear and tear for a 16-month tenancy includes minor wall scuffs, small nail holes, carpet fading, and minor appliance wear. Landlords cannot charge for these items.

I took my own photos when I moved in. These show several issues: small holes already in bedroom walls, carpet already had faint stains near the sofa area, kitchen countertop already had water marks. These were not properly noted in the official inspection.

I lived in this property for 16 months and took good care of it. Most of the issues the landlord is claiming are either pre-existing conditions that were not properly documented at move-in, or normal wear and tear expected from occupancy. The landlord is trying to profit from my security deposit.

Wall repair and repainting: $1,800. Carpet replacement: $2,400. Window repair: $400. Cabinet door replacement: $300. Countertop repair: $500. Total: $5,400. All estimates from licensed contractors.

Bedroom: Two nail holes in walls, carpet burn mark near closet. Kitchen: Broken cabinet door, grease buildup on stove and hood, damaged countertop near sink showing water damage.

Photos taken on May 1, 2024. Three holes in living room walls (approximately 4-6 inches diameter), appearing to be from furniture removal. Dark stains on carpet near sofa area. Window screen torn.

Property inspection conducted on January 5, 2023. All walls in excellent condition, carpets professionally cleaned, all appliances working, no visible damage. Both parties signed. Photos attached showing pristine condition.

The tenant left the property with significant damage beyond normal wear and tear. I have photos showing holes in walls, carpet stains, and a broken window. The security deposit of $2,500 doesn't even cover half of the estimated $5,400 in repairs.