---
title: What Are Some Common Examples of Damage Beyond Ordinary Wear and Tear?
description: This usually includes neglect, misuse, accidents, unauthorized alterations, or pet damage that causes real repair or replacement costs.
---
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February 10, 2026
# What Are Some Common Examples of Damage Beyond Ordinary Wear and Tear?
## This usually includes neglect, misuse, accidents, unauthorized alterations, or pet damage that causes real repair or replacement costs.
**Audience:** *renters in North Carolina preparing to move out or trying to understand deposit deductions*
In North Carolina, landlords can only deduct from a security deposit for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, meaning damage that goes beyond normal, everyday use of the home.
Here are common, practical examples so you can understand what typically counts.
---
#### What "Damage Beyond Ordinary Wear and Tear" Means
Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear usually involves:
- Something broken, missing, or heavily altered
- A condition caused by negligence or misuse
- Damage requiring repair beyond routine turnover
- Costs that wouldn't exist if the home had simply been lived in normally
---
#### Common Examples of Damage Beyond Ordinary Wear and Tear
These examples often lead to security deposit deductions (when documented and reasonable):
**Walls, paint, and trim**
- Large holes in walls (TV mounts ripped out, door-knob holes, etc.)
- Excessive wall damage from tape, adhesive hooks, or stickers
- Unauthorized paint colors or poor-quality paint jobs
- Damage from furniture scraping or impacts
**Doors, windows, and hardware**
- Broken doors, cracked frames, damaged locks
- Broken or missing window screens
- Cracked glass caused by impact
- Missing keys, garage remotes, or access devices (if required by the lease)
**Floors and carpet**
- Large stains (wine, bleach, pet stains)
- Burn marks from candles, irons, or cigarettes
- Deep scratches or gouges beyond normal use
- Water damage caused by negligence (overflowing tubs, etc.)
**Kitchen and appliances**
- Broken appliance doors, shelves, or handles from misuse
- Missing appliances or parts
- Countertop burns, chips, or deep cuts
- Garbage disposal damage caused by improper use
**Bathrooms and plumbing**
- Broken tiles or fixtures caused by impact
- Mold growth caused by failure to ventilate or report leaks
- Clogged plumbing caused by improper items flushed or drained
- Cracked sinks or tubs caused by dropping heavy objects
**Pets**
- Chewed trim, scratched doors, torn screens
- Strong urine odor requiring special treatment
- Flea treatment required due to infestation
- Deep scratches in floors beyond normal wear
---
#### How This Affects Your Security Deposit
Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear may be deducted from the security deposit, but deductions must still be:
- Itemized
- Reasonable
- Tied to actual or reasonably certain costs
- Completed within North Carolina's deposit return timeline
---
#### Tips to Avoid Damage-Related Deductions
- Report maintenance issues early (leaks, broken fixtures, etc.)
- Avoid unauthorized alterations
- Use furniture pads on floors
- Patch larger holes properly if allowed
- Deep clean at move-out
- Take move-out photos and video
A small effort here can protect a large chunk of your deposit later.
---
#### Frequently Asked Questions
**Are nail holes from hanging pictures considered damage?**
Usually, no. Small holes are typically ordinary wear and tear.
**Is carpet replacement always considered damage?**
No. Replacement is typically deductible only for damage beyond normal wear and if the carpet isn't already at the end of its useful life.
**What if something broke due to age?**
That's usually ordinary wear, not tenant-caused damage.
**Can a landlord charge for upgrades if something is damaged?**
They can charge reasonable repair or replacement costs, not "betterment" or upgrades beyond what existed.
**Do landlords have to prove the damage?**
They must provide an itemized accounting and deductions should be supported by documentation.
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