Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Abbey, the damage is the holes in the curtains. The pet hair is a cleaning issue, but the landlord is entitled to withhold from your security deposit for damage which exceeds normal wear and tear (little doubt that damage to the curtains caused by a cat exceed normal wear and tear), and for cleaning required to bring the apartment back to the condition it was in at the time it was delivered to you. As I would guess there was no cat hair in the apartment when you moved in, deduction for that cost is probably appropriate.

Can a landlord come after you for more than your security deposit - absolutely. You can attempt to settle it for less, but be prepared that if you do not pay them the additional balance, they may sue you in small claims court.

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