Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
Painting an apartment
After 2 years my tenant moved out and the entire apt needed to be repainted. All paint was new upon move in. What portion of the painting cost can I charge them for? Also, they never returned the keys. Can I charge them for replacing the locks on all the doors?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Painting an apartment
Landlord is responsible for ordinary wear and tear, and tenant for damages beyond ordinary wear and tear. The fact that paint was new is immaterial. You might have used cheap, inferior paint that isn't long lasting. Sometimes afternoon sun ages paint, drapes, blinds, etc. If there was actual damage, you can try to figure what portion of the repainting had to do with damages, but Small Claims Court judges can be tougher on landlords than tenants, if it goes that far.
No question about the keys. Replacing the locks, with former tenant having keys, is necessary.
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