Can I deduct for this from the Security Deposit? (photos)

[Mila F.]

I have tenants moving out in a week, and they asked for pre-inspection. It's just a couple with a dog and a cat. They stayed a little short of two years, always paid on time, but left more wear/tear and damage than I'm used to with my rentals.  And because I haven't run into these kinds of issues before, I am not sure if they qualify as damage vs wear and tear, and how much I can deduct from the security deposit. Please help. Oh, and I am in GA.

1. The kitchen sink strainers were less than two years old when these guys moved in and were in excellent condition.  Now they are excessively scratched (see photo). The functionality is not impacted, but the overwhelming scratching definitely hurts the aesthetics, so I will be replacing them (my properties have a well-kept look and I want to maintain this standard).  Is this considered wear and tear, or am I allowed to deduct for these? Do I need to prorate for the unused years of the useful life? And what would it be?  

2. The kitchen sink seems to have a small puncture and some cuts that started rusting (not seen in this photo). I have no clue what they were doing there (they are heavily into fishing), but it's very likely the sink will have to be replaced (my trusted contractor will determine). How do I deduct for this? It's a double-sink, been in use since 2017, and all the previous  tenants left it in excellent condition. If I have to prorate, what is the useful life on a sink like this?

3. They had a cat but not a single cat scratcher. So, the cat left a lot of scratches. The damage it left on the trim and one of the doors is easy to quantify. I'm struggling with the washing machine. I noticed the cat dishes sitting on top of the machine and scratches on the right side panel. I'm guessing the cat sometimes jumps on the washing machine to get to the food bowls and scratches the surface when it can't make it. This is purely cosmetic damage, not overly extensive, but notable enough and gives my appliance a junky look. Ironically, I remember when I was showing them the place, they kept asking if the W/D were new and talking about them being so nice and "high-end" (really not a "high end", but it made me wonder what they've been using before). Anyway, given this is just the cosmetics, am I allowed to deduct for this, and if so, how much? It's a front -loading LG brand, was in use since 2017 and was in impeccable condition before their occupancy.

4. They put a few cuts and dents on 2 insulation panels on the garage doors. The longest cut is about 4". I bought the house in 2016 and the doors were already insulated. None of my previous tenants left any damage on them. The panels are replaceable, but am I even allowed to charge for these? If I can charge, how much? My garage contractor quoted $175 per panel and said their useful life should be "forever".

All of these were documented on the Move-In Inspection Form as in "excellent" condition, with "before" photos available. Current rent is $2,050.

Thanks in advance for guidance!

P.S. I also discovered they were petsitting a dog at my property, which is a lease violation with a $300 fine per day.  I found this out during pre-inspection but for now chose not to make it an issue given they are a week away from moving.