Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: Rental damages

That question is one that, unfortunately, isn't black and white. Its going to come down to what the judge hearing the eventual lawsuit by you for return of that portion of your security deposit thinks. I can see circumstances where you would be right - that its not reasonably necessary for the linoleum to match, but I think that the landlord's position may be stronger - if the two rooms are connected (even if separated by a counter) then its more likely that a judge would find that it was reasonably necessary for the landlord to replace linoleum on in both areas. If they deduct it, you can take them to small claims court, and see what a judge decides. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, there isn't a brite-line test on something like this.

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