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What Happens If I Own a Rental Property, and I Do Not Agree With My Property Manager’s Assessment of the Security Deposit Charges Against the Tenant?

North Carolina’s security deposit laws are strict and property managers must follow them carefully.

Audience: rental property owners who may disagree with deposit deductions or MoveZen’s assessment of damage vs. wear and tear, and want to understand how disagreements are handled while staying compliant with North Carolina law.

Sometimes, an owner may feel that more should be charged, or may disagree with MoveZen’s determination of what counts as damage vs. wear and tear. When that happens, it’s important to understand how decisions are made, why compliance matters, and what options exist if you disagree.

FAQs ❓

Do owners get the final say in security deposit charges?
Not entirely charges must comply with NC law, and illegal deductions cannot be applied even if an owner requests them.

Can MoveZen charge more if I insist?
No. Deposit charges must follow statute and industry standards.

Can I request clarification?
Absolutely. we provide supporting documentation, photos, and explanations.

What if the tenant disputes the charges?
We handle communication, documentation, and, if needed, collections.

Why can’t all damage be charged to the deposit?
Because NC law prohibits deductions for normal wear and tear.

Understanding Who Decides Security Deposit Charges ✔️

Security deposit decisions must follow:

  • North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS § 42-51 & § 42-52)

  • Industry standards for wear vs. damage

  • Depreciation rules

  • Fair Housing & consumer protection laws

  • Property management licensing requirements

Because of this, property managers cannot simply charge whatever an owner prefers.

Why Your Property Manager May Decline a Requested Charge ❗

MoveZen must protect owners from:

  • Illegal deposit deductions

  • Penalties for noncompliance

  • Tenant claims and disputes

  • Possible forfeiture of the entire deposit

  • Legal or licensing issues

If something is normal wear and tear, MoveZen is legally required not to charge the tenant for it.

Examples:

  • Light carpet wear in high-traffic areas

  • Faded or lightly scuffed paint

  • Appliance aging

  • Minor scratches on floors

These are not legally chargeable items.

When MoveZen Will Support Owner Charging the Deposit ✔️

We fully support deductions when the damage is:

  • Beyond normal wear and tear

  • The direct result of negligence or misuse

  • Supported by photos and documentation

  • Depreciated appropriately

  • Completed within the 30/60-day legal window

Examples:

  • Pet urine in carpet

  • Broken doors

  • Deep gouges in walls

  • Missing blinds

  • Appliance components broken by misuse

What Happens When You Disagree With Our Assessment? 🤝

Here’s how the process works:

1. You Request Clarification 📝

Owners are encouraged to ask:

  • Why was this item not charged?

  • Is this considered wear or damage?

  • What is the depreciation schedule?

  • Can I see the photos supporting the decision?

We provide a detailed explanation using documentation and state law.

2. We Review the Move-In & Move-Out Evidence 🔍

We compare:

  • Move-in photos

  • Move-out photos

  • Vendor reports

  • Inspector notes

  • Lease requirements

If new information changes the classification, we adjust the accounting.

3. We Apply Depreciation Rules (Required by Law) 📉

Even when damage is chargeable, the full replacement value may not be.

Example:

  • A 7-year-old carpet with a 7-year life expectancy

  • Even if destroyed, only $0 may be legally chargeable

Many disagreements arise here, because depreciation limits allowable charges.

4. We Explain What Is Legally Defensible ⚖️

MoveZen focuses on decisions that would stand up in:

  • Court

  • Mediation

  • Regulatory review

If a charge would likely be overturned, we cannot ethically or legally apply it.

5. We Finalize the Legally Compliant Accounting 📬

Even if the owner disagrees, MoveZen is obligated to:

  • Follow NC security deposit law

  • Protect the owner from liability

  • Avoid improper deductions

  • Deliver the accounting within the statutory timeframe

We cannot risk an owner losing the entire deposit due to one improper charge.

What If You Still Disagree? Your Options ✔️

If disagreement remains, you may:

✔ Request a detailed written explanation

✔ Ask for supervisor review

✔ Review all photo documentation

✔ Request clarification on depreciation

✔ Provide your perspective for consideration

✔ Discuss long-term upgrades to prevent future issues

However, deposit accounting must remain compliant with NC law regardless of preference.

Why This Policy Protects You as an Owner 🛡️

Owners benefit from strict compliance because it prevents:

  • Legal disputes

  • Penalties

  • Deposit forfeiture

  • Claims of improper charges

  • Court challenges

  • Regulatory issues for both owner and manager

It also improves tenant trust and reduces conflict.