Chart: Cleaning and Repairs a Landlord Can Deduct From a Security Deposit San Francisco CA

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

Local Companies

Integrated Mortgage
(415) 255-2222
1829 Market St.
San Francisco, CA
Bank of America
(415) 622-0283
1525 Market St
San Francisco, CA
Guarantee Mortgage Corporation
(415) 441-5050
601 Van Ness Ave., Ste. P
San Francisco, CA
Bank of America
(415) 837-1394
1 Powell St
San Francisco, CA
HSM realty finance management
(415) 431-7655
600 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA
Bank of America
(650) 615-4700
1275 Fell St
San Francisco, CA
Jay Sondhi, FHA Specialist, Guarantee Mortgage
(415) 694-5512
636 4th Street
San Francisco, CA
Jay Sondhi, FHA Specialist
(415) 694-5512
636 4th Street
San Francisco, CA
Real Estate Financial Services Inc.
(415) 292-1999
1902 Van Ness Ave., 3rd Flr.
San Francisco, CA
First Capital Group Inc.
(415) 440-5626
1465 Bush St.
San Francisco, CA

Provided By:


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

Integrated Mortgage

(415) 255-2222
1829 Market St.
San Francisco, CA

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