I have a rental home in California and my tenant moved out. While walking through the home, I found that there are some walls that are dirty (looks like hand smudge marks). The walls were clean before she moved in so we will be re-painting the rooms with dirty walls before the new tenant moves in. I also noticed that the grass is not nearly as green as when she moved in. I think she has not been watering the grass consistently (and it is clearly stated in the lease that she is to keep the grass watered).
My question is: Can I deduct the painting fees from her security deposit? Or is this considered "normal wear and tear"? She lived in the home for about 1.5 years. Also, can I deduct for the condition of the grass also? We will try to fertilize and hope it grows back green, but otherwise we might have to re-seed or sod the yard.
My question is: Can I deduct the painting fees from her security deposit? Or is this considered "normal wear and tear"? She lived in the home for about 1.5 years. Also, can I deduct for the condition of the grass also? We will try to fertilize and hope it grows back green, but otherwise we might have to re-seed or sod the yard.