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Posted by Mo on October 18, 1999 at 16:26:23:

In Reply to: posted by Shara on October 18, 1999 at 16:00:00:

: I understand that in NYC, a landlord cannot hold a deposit for "reasonable wear and tear." How is this defined? Does "reasonable wear and tear" cover my apartment needing a paint-job, and holes from nails and picture hooks that were hung in the walls?

: Thanks.

Most states require that landlords return security deposits, with a detailed
list of any deductions, to the tenant within 30 days after they move out.
Landlords are notorious about providing sketchy information about deductions
or damage. The list must include valid estimates for any repairs, or the cost
of those that have been done. Your landlord is required to paint your apartment
every three years at his or her expense. Some landlords will negotiate an
allowance to cover some or all of the cost, if the tenant arranges for the painting
in off years.

Wear & Tear

Worn out keys
Loose or stubborn doorlock
Loose hinges or handles on doors
Worn and dirty carpeting
Carpet seam unglued
Scuffed up wood floors
Linoleum worn thin
Worn countertop
Stain on ceiling from rain or bad plumbing
Plaster cracks from settling
Faded, chipped or cracked paint
Loose wallpaper
Balky drapery rod
Faded curtains and drapes
Heat blistered blinds
Dirty window or door screens
Sticky window
Loose or inoperable faucet handle
Toilet runs or wobbles
Urine odor around toilet
Closet bi-fold door off track

Damages

Lost keys
Broken or missing locks
Damage to a door from forced entry
Torn, stained or burned carpeting
Rust or oil stains on carpet
Badly scratched or gouged wood floors
Linoleum with tears or holes
Burns and cuts in countertop
Stain on ceiling from overflowed tub
Holes in walls from kids or carelessness
Unapproved (bad) tenant paint job
Ripped or marked-up wallpaper
Broken drapery rod
Torn or missing curtains and drapes
Blinds with bent slats
Torn or missing screens
Broken window
Broken or missing faucet handle
Broken toilet seat or tank top
Urine or pet odor throughout unit
Damaged or missing bi-fold door

Follow Ups:

• Re: "normal" wear & tear MIA 10/19/99 (1)
  • Re: "normal" wear & tear Mo 10/19/99 (0)

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Subject : 

Comments:
: : I understand that in NYC, a landlord cannot hold a deposit for "reasonable wear and tear."  How is this defined?  Does "reasonable wear and tear" cover my apartment needing a paint-job, and holes from nails and picture hooks that were hung in the walls?

: : Thanks.

: Most states require that landlords return security deposits, with a detailed 
: list of any deductions, to the tenant within 30 days after they move out. 
: Landlords are notorious about providing sketchy information about deductions 
: or damage. The list must include valid estimates for any repairs, or the cost 
: of those that have been done. Your landlord is required to paint your apartment
: every three years at his or her expense. Some landlords will negotiate an
: allowance to cover some or all of the cost, if the tenant arranges for the painting
:  in off years.

: 
: Wear & Tear 

: Worn out keys
: Loose or stubborn doorlock
: Loose hinges or handles on doors
: Worn and dirty carpeting
: Carpet seam unglued
: Scuffed up wood floors
: Linoleum worn thin
: Worn countertop
: Stain on ceiling from rain or bad plumbing
: Plaster cracks from settling
: Faded, chipped or cracked paint
: Loose wallpaper
: Balky drapery rod
: Faded curtains and drapes
: Heat blistered blinds
: Dirty window or door screens
: Sticky window 
: Loose or inoperable faucet handle
: Toilet runs or wobbles
: Urine odor around toilet
: Closet bi-fold door off track

: 
: Damages 

: Lost keys
: Broken or missing locks
: Damage to a door from forced entry
: Torn, stained or burned carpeting
: Rust or oil stains on carpet
: Badly scratched or gouged wood floors
: Linoleum with tears or holes
: Burns and cuts in countertop
: Stain on ceiling from overflowed tub
: Holes in walls from kids or carelessness
: Unapproved (bad) tenant paint job
: Ripped or marked-up wallpaper
: Broken drapery rod
: Torn or missing curtains and drapes
: Blinds with bent slats
: Torn or missing screens
: Broken window
: Broken or missing faucet handle
: Broken toilet seat or tank top
: Urine or pet odor throughout unit
: Damaged or missing bi-fold door


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