The Playbook / Love It or Leave It / Finally — After You're Gone
Normal wear & tear vs. damage.
One of the most common deposit disagreements is whether something counts as normal wear (the landlord's responsibility) or damage (yours). This is the reference the rest of the Playbook uses.
A reusable reference
This Spotlight is the canonical source across the Playbook. Ask Noon links back to the specific rows below whenever a wear-and-tear question comes up in Move-In, Pre-Inspection, Final Bill, or Deposit conversations — so the reasoning stays consistent from move-in to move-out.
Paint & Walls
Normal wear (not your bill)
- Minor scuffs or faded / discolored paint
- Small nail holes from hanging pictures
Damage (likely your bill)
- Large holes or gouges
- Unauthorized paint colors not restored
- Stickers / tape / decals that peel paint
Floors & Carpet
Normal wear (not your bill)
- Carpet worn thin from foot traffic
- Minor carpet seam separation
- Fading from sunlight
Damage (likely your bill)
- Pet stains, burns, or strong odors
- Tears, rips, or missing flooring sections
- Deep scratches or water damage on hardwood / plank
Fixtures & Appliances
Normal wear (not your bill)
- Loose handles or knobs from normal use
- Drip pans stained from cooking
- Appliances aging or losing efficiency
Damage (likely your bill)
- Broken blinds or missing slats
- Missing appliance parts (shelves, knobs, trays)
- Burns or dents in countertops
General Aging
Normal wear (not your bill)
- Faded blinds or curtains
- Hairline cracks in plaster or grout
- Caulking that shrinks or yellows
Damage (likely your bill)
- Mold / mildew from lack of cleaning
- Trash or furniture left behind
- Damage from unauthorized pets or residents
Your Plays
- Move-In Photos — document the condition when you arrived.
- Regular Maintenance — submit tickets for leaks or broken items; don't let problems grow.
- Move-Out Photos — after cleaning, capture every surface and appliance.
- Ask for itemized charges — confirm any repair charge reflects actual damage, not aging.
A useful frame
Normal wear and tear is aging gracefully — like wrinkles. Damage is preventable harm — like a black eye. If a charge looks like wrinkles, it's worth a question.
Related in the Playbook
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