Can your landlord charge for painting?
Usually not. Paint fades, scuffs and gets small nail holes just from living there. That's normal wear and tear, and in California, New York, Texas and Washington, among others, the law says it can't come out of your deposit. Real damage is different.
When can a landlord charge for painting?
- You painted without permission.
- There's real damage: big holes, crayon, smoke, pet scratches.
- They fixed one spot and can show what it cost.
When doesn't a paint charge hold up?
- A full repaint after a normal stay.
- A flat fee with no invoice.
- Billing the whole room for one marked spot.
What do state laws say about paint?
- California: no charging for normal wear and tear. If repairs and cleaning top $125, they owe you receipts, and for move-outs since April 1, 2025, photos too. (Civ. Code §1950.5(e), (h))
- Washington: no charging for wear from ordinary use, and they need estimates or paid invoices. (RCW 59.18.280(1))
- Delaware: they can't charge for anything painting and ordinary cleaning would fix. (25 Del. C. § 5514(c)(1))
- Massachusetts: reasonable wear and tear can't come out of the deposit. (ch. 186, § 15B(4))
What should I ask my landlord for?
Ask in writing for the invoice, the date the place was last painted and the move-in report. Then check your deadline. If they missed it, you may not need to argue about paint at all.
Last updated . Checked against each state's official law. General information, not legal advice.