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There Was Less Than $50 of Damage Beyond Normal Wear and Tear Left at the Property After the Tenant Moved Out. While That Damage Can Be Charged to the Tenant’s Security Deposit, Should It?

MoveZen focuses not only on legal compliance but also on owner benefit, tenant fairness, and long-term strategy. Sometimes a charge is justified; sometimes it’s more cost-effective to skip it.

Audience: rental property owners who want to understand when small, technically chargeable amounts of tenant damage should be deducted from the deposit — and when it may be better not to deduct them for practical, financial, or strategic reasons.

North Carolina law does allow you to deduct any amount of damage beyond normal wear and tear, even $10. But whether you should charge small amounts (especially those under $50) is a more nuanced decision.

Let's break it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to charge a tenant for $5–$50 of actual damage?
Yes, if it is truly damage beyond normal wear.

Will MoveZen process a small deduction if requested?
Yes, but we'll also explain when it may not benefit you.

Why might it not be worth charging small amounts?
Because administrative time, friction, and tenant upset can outweigh the financial return.

Does charging a small amount ever lead to disputes?
Yes, small charges often cause disproportionate frustration.

The Key Question: Does the Charge Benefit You as the Owner?

Just because a tenant can be charged does not always mean it is financially or strategically beneficial.

There are situations where charging a small amount is appropriate and others where it's simply not worth it.

When It Makes Sense to Charge for Small Damages

MoveZen may recommend a charge under $50 when:

The damage is clear, documented, and beyond wear

Examples:

  • Broken blind wand
  • Small patch repair
  • Light fixture damage
  • Missing or damaged hardware

The tenant has multiple small damages that add up

If three $20 damages total $60, charging is appropriate.

The tenant caused high-maintenance behaviors

Small charges can reinforce expectations for future tenancies if they renew with you.

The tenant has a history of avoidable issues

In these cases, even small, legitimate deductions help balance behavior.

When It May Not Be Worth Charging for Small Damages

MoveZen often advises not charging very small amounts (under $25–$50) when:

The tenant was otherwise excellent

Keeping good tenants happy (or avoiding frustration during move-out) has real value.

The charge is extremely minor

Charging $5–$15 for tiny damages often causes unnecessary dispute escalation.

The item is already near end-of-life

Depreciation may reduce a $40 repair to a $3 allowable charge, not worth pursuing.

The cost of processing exceeds the benefit

Deposit accounting requires administrative time; landlords do not benefit from nickel-and-dime deductions.

You want to avoid pushback or reviews

A happy tenant is more likely to provide positive references and leave quietly.

It could slow down the deposit return timeline

Excessive precision on tiny charges can delay final accounting and increase risk of noncompliance.

The Strategic Value of Forgiving Small Charges

Skipping minor deductions can:

  • Reduce disputes
  • Prevent negative online reviews
  • Encourage renewals or referrals
  • Build goodwill
  • Allow a smoother turnover process

Often, the long-term financial benefit outweighs the small amount.

Why MoveZen Often Recommends a Practical Approach Instead of a Literal One

North Carolina law allows the charge. Accounting systems can handle the charge. MoveZen is capable of collecting the charge.

But we prioritize your overall ROI and minimizing friction.

Charging someone $8 for a tiny scratch on a wall is allowed, but it isn't always wise.

Examples to Illustrate the Decision

Example 1: $15 Blind Slat Repair

Tenant stayed 3 years, paid on time, left the home clean.

Best choice: Do not charge. Goodwill > $15.

Example 2: $45 Missing Smoke Detector Battery Cover

Tenant was rough on the unit, left cleaning issues, and has prior complaints.

Best choice: Charge. Pattern matters.

Example 3: $30 Patch on Wall, Paint Is 5 Years Old

Paint is fully depreciated.

Chargeable amount: $0. Legally, the charge isn't allowed.

Example 4: Multiple small items totaling $65

Three minor damages add up.

Best choice: Charge. The total amount is meaningful.

How MoveZen Makes the Recommendation

We consider:

  • Nature of damage
  • Depreciation
  • Tenant history
  • Total charge amount
  • Owner preferences
  • Risk of dispute
  • Cost-benefit impact

We then document and advise you before charging.

The Bottom Line

  • You can legally charge for small damages
  • You shouldn't always charge for small damages
  • Depreciation may reduce some charges to $0
  • Goodwill is often more valuable than tiny reimbursements
  • MoveZen recommends the option with the best long-term ROI for you