., and became late on his most recent rent.Personally, if the house was in pretty decent shape at move-out (accounting for normal wear-and-tear over the past TEN years,) I would be okay with returning his deposit. 

You cannot charge for wear and tear. 

This is my first post in the forum as I recently became a BP member :)My husband and I just got a Duplex under contract that requires significant repairs (no structural/foundation work) as it is quite old and has extensive wear and tear. 

Too much wear and tear on the property, too much nuisance with noise and cars going through (drop off and pick up).Wait for someone else. 

Bought it for $180k 5 years ago as a buy and hold.Developers are putting $400-600k homes on tear-down properties all around it.I looked at tearing down and putting a 4-plex on the lot...not allowed per code.I looked at tearing it down and doing a duplex...after all costs and penalty of interrupted cash flow...bad move.I looked at tearing down and putting two single family homes...bad cash-flow move.It just seems that with a lot so large relative to the size of the home is in such a hot/in-demand area, i should be able to get more cash flow. 

Also keep in mind that as your property ages and takes wear and tear that it may not be up to getting market rent.

The new lien is for tearing the house down.

Offer to assist a contractor if they're cool and do all the gross work for 'em like tearing down plaster or carrying sheetrock.  

Less occupancy is less wear and tear.

This is the section I have in my lease APPLIANCES INCLUDEDStove and Refrigerator, DishwasherLandlord is responsible for repairs to appliances listed above unless otherwise stated here: Dishwasher will not be repaired, If tenant would like to pay for dishwasher repairs they may, upon written permission from Landlord, all repairs or replacements will become sole property of the Landlord and will remain in the unit when Tenant vacates.Tenant will be held liable damage to any appliances beyond normal wear and tear.