Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What Are Some Common Examples of “Damage Due to Ordinary Wear and Tear”?

Understanding the difference can make a big impact on whether you get your deposit back.

Audience: renters in North Carolina preparing to move out or reviewing deposit deductions

In North Carolina, ordinary wear and tear refers to the natural, expected aging of a home that happens from normal, everyday living even when the renter takes reasonable care of the property. Landlords cannot deduct security deposits for ordinary wear and tear, only for damage beyond it.

 

What “ordinary wear and tear” means in practice 🧠

Ordinary wear and tear includes changes that occur from:

  • Normal foot traffic

  • Sun exposure

  • Everyday use of fixtures and appliances

  • Time and aging

These are expected costs of owning and renting property not tenant-caused damage.

For context on what deposits can be used for, see permitted uses of the security deposit:
https://movezen360.com/nc-security-deposit-permitted-uses

Common examples of ordinary wear and tear 🏠

These are typical examples that generally should not result in deposit deductions:

Walls & paint

  • Small nail holes from hanging pictures

  • Minor scuffs or marks

  • Faded paint from sunlight

  • Normal wear on corners or trim

Floors & carpets

  • Light carpet wear in high-traffic areas

  • Minor scratches on hardwood from normal use

  • Fading or dulling of finish over time

  • Flattened carpet pile

Fixtures & hardware

  • Loose door handles

  • Worn cabinet hinges

  • Aging faucet finishes

  • Minor scratches on sinks or tubs

Appliances

  • Normal wear from routine use

  • Cosmetic scratches

  • Older appliances that stop working due to age (not misuse)

Bathrooms

  • Minor grout discoloration

  • Slight caulking wear

  • Small chips caused by age

Examples that are not ordinary wear and tear 🚫

These are more likely to be considered damage beyond normal wear:

  • Large holes in walls

  • Broken doors or windows

  • Burn marks on flooring or countertops

  • Pet damage beyond minor wear

  • Missing fixtures or appliances

  • Excessive filth or trash left behind

  • Unauthorized paint colors or alterations

Damage caused by negligence, misuse, or violation of the lease may be deductible.

Why this distinction matters for your deposit 💸

Security deposits in NC may only be used for lawful deductions after move-out. Charging for ordinary wear and tear is not allowed.

If you’re reviewing deductions, this companion article explains what landlords can deduct:
https://movezen360.com/nc-security-deposit-end-of-lease

Tips to protect yourself at move-out ✅

  • Take move-in photos and save them

  • Take move-out photos after cleaning

  • Patch small nail holes if allowed

  • Clean thoroughly but realistically

  • Follow written move-out instructions

  • Return all keys and access devices

Documentation helps if questions arise later.

FAQs ❓

Is repainting always considered normal wear and tear?
Often yes, unless repainting is required due to damage beyond ordinary use.

Can carpet replacement be deducted automatically?
No. Carpet must be damaged beyond normal wear and not already at the end of its useful life.

What about small nail holes?
A few small holes from picture hanging are usually considered normal wear.

If something breaks because it’s old, is that damage?
No. Failure due to age or normal use is not tenant-caused damage.

Who decides what’s “ordinary”?
Ultimately, it depends on the facts, lease terms, and reasonableness — not just preference.

Related knowledge base articles 🔗

These articles pair closely with wear-and-tear questions: