Can landlord keep deposit for wear and tear?
How the answer differs across 2 jurisdictions
The Short Answer
No, your landlord cannot charge you for normal wear and tear when you leave — it is not your responsibility to pay for deterioration that results from ordinary use of the property.
Not allowed
Charge for wear & tear
30 days
Deposit protection deadline
Housing Act 200
Governing law
100%
Deposit must be protected
US-CaliforniaFull article The Short Answer
No, your landlord cannot keep your security deposit for normal wear and tear in California. They can only deduct for damage beyond ordinary use, cleaning, unpaid rent, or other lawful charges.
$0
Allowed for wear and tear
21 days
Deadline to return deposit
Itemized list
Required with refund
3x damages
Penalty for bad faith
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UKCan my landlord charge me for normal wear and tear when I leave?US-CaliforniaCan my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.