Chart: Cleaning and Repairs a Landlord Can Deduct From a Security Deposit Houston TX

Landlords are permitted to deduct from security deposits for damage or excessive filth, but not for ordinary wear and tear.

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The Hua Group, LLC
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Typically, landlords may charge tenants for any cleaning or repairs necessary to restore the rental unit to its condition at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords may not, however, use the tenant's security deposit to cover the costs of ordinary wear and tear. Here are examples of wear and tear versus damage or excessive filth:

Ordinary Wear and Tear:
Landlord's Responsibility
Damage or Excessive Filth:
Tenant's Responsibility
Curtains faded by the sunCigarette burns in curtains or carpets
Water-stained linoleum by showerBroken tiles in bathroom
Minor marks on or nicks in wallLarge marks on or holes in wall
Dents in the wall where a door handle bumped itDoor off its hinges
Moderate dirt or spotting on carpetRips in carpet or urine stains from pets
A few small tack or nail holes in wallLots of picture holes or gouges in walls that require patching as well as repainting
A rug worn thin by normal useStains in rug caused by a leaking fish tank
Worn gaskets on refrigerator doorsBroken refrigerator shelf
Faded paint on bedroom wallWater damage on wall from hanging plants
Dark patches of ingrained soil on hardwood floors that have lost their finish and have been worn down to bare woodWater stains on wood floors and windowsills caused by windows being left open during rainstorms
Warped cabinet doors that won't closeSticky cabinets and interiors
Stains on old porcelain fixtures that have lost their protective coatingGrime-coated bathtub and toilet
Moderately dirty mini-blindsMissing mini-blinds
Bathroom mirror beginning to "de-silver" (black spots)Mirrors caked with lipstick and makeup
Clothes dryer that delivers cold air because the thermostat has given outDryer that won't turn at all because it's been over-loaded
Toilet flushes inadequately because mineral deposits have clogged the jetsToilet won't flush properly because it's stopped up with a diaper


Copyright 2008 Nolo

Featured Local Company

The Hua Group, LLC

713-863-7656
2329 Ella Boulevard
Houston, TX
http://www.thehuagroup.com