Rental Property Damage vs Wear & Tear

[Devan R.]

I've owned a rental property in Missouri 4 years now. I actually purchased the property in 2007 and it was my primary residence until I moved back to Florida in 2010. Earlier this month, had my latest tenant (military couple) move out 12/1/14. There were several damages once they vacated the property. My property manager sent pictures of the damages (paint on floor, damaged walls, damaged closet etc).

My property manager, handy man, quoted a price of $1700 to fix the damages. The tenants deposit was $700. Of the $1700, my property manager indicated some of it was due to damages and other was wear and tear. The property was in good condition before the tenants moved in. I informed my property manager besides the carpet that will get replaced after next tenant (moving in 1/2/15), there shouldn't be wear and tear as I replaced the inside/outside A/C units this summer ($3,400.00). All the appliances are working. With the $700 deposit, I fully expect the tenants to cover the remaining balance of $1000 for the damage. I'm posting this to see if anyone else has a different opinion. Thanks in advance.

I figure if there are any resistance from tenants to cover the remaining balance, since they're a military couple we can have this resolved through their 1st Sergeants.