Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Tenant Security Deposit Refund

There is NO wear and tear paid out of a security deposit. Normal wear and tear is considered part of the rent.

Only damage caused by misuse or intentional damage can be retained from a security deposit.

Re: Tenant Security Deposit Refund

A tenant is not responsible for normal wear and tear. I can give you some of my own experiences. However, you want something by the experts. And the experts are apartment owners, and their associations. So I'd start with something to do with normal usage: appliances 14 to 18 years usage, rugs 5 to 7 years usage, linoleum 8 to 19 years usage, blinds and drapes 4 to 6 years usage, and paint 3 to 5 years usage. There are probably some things on the Internet on appliance usage by the major manufactures. Or one of the testing houses that test appliances, etc. You might check with Consumers Magazine(s) at your library or on the Internet.