Return of Security Deposit

[Sharon H.]

The rental property is located in Los Angeles. My tenant moved out last week. However, they repainted my living room, dining room, first bedroom, and damaged my master bedroom. They did not have my consent when they painted my house. I hope someone can tell me whether it should be deductible from the security deposit:

Please note all rooms were painted in beige before renting out.

Living Room – Tenants painted three walls in blue, one wall next to the fireplace in dark blue

Dining Room – Tenants painted all walls in light blue

First Bedroom – Tenants painted whole room, including closet in blue

Master Bedroom – Tenants two big holes on a wall for lighting, big holes on other wall for hanging TV

I have a handyman to come have an estimate:

Living Room - $750

First Bedroom - $350

Master Bedroom - $450

Total Damage – 1,550

I did not charge them for dining room since people say the color is nice…don’t want the tenant sue me for overcharging

Do you think the deduction is reasonable based on the location is in Los Angeles, CA?

Also, the kitchen cabinet doors were very chipped. It did not have any chip before renting out. Handyman say it is basic wear and tear, but agent say it is beyond wear and tear. What do you think?

Thank you for valuable opinions!

Sharon

[Nathan Gesner]

The tenant is responsible for returning it in the same condition as received. Get it painted, depreciate the cost based on how old the original paint was, deduct from their deposit, and charge them for anything unpaid. Simple.