Damage or Wear-and-Tear - sticking light switch

[Michael Krober]

When tenant moved out, one light switch was sticking out - please see pic. Switch is still functional and as you can see on the picture the switch was old. Costs $65 to repair. Should it be added to security deposit deductions or is it wear and tear item? Property is in NJ.

[Peter Tverdov]

If the switch was old I wouldn't bother the tenants with that. That's really nitpicking. 

[Kyle J.]

@Michael Krober I didn’t read anything in your post, or see anything in that photo, that clearly showed that was the result of damage caused by the tenants. Seems more likely it’s simply from wear and tear on an old switch. Personally, I would not charge the tenants for it. 

[Michael Krober]

Thank you very much for the input! I really appreciate it.

[Danny Polanski]

$65 to replace a light switch?

[Dave Spooner]

Hey @Michael Krober, my guess is wear and tear as well. Even if it happened to be damage done by the tenant, I'd let it pass. It's an old light switch, and it sounds like it would need to be replaced sooner or later anyway. 

[JD Martin]

Definitely normal wear and tear. That's really nitpicky stuff. And I probably would have done it myself for a dollar.