Tanya, a Tenant gave Lou, her Landlord a $1,000 security deposit when she moved in. When she moved out four years later, Lou withheld $500 from Tanya's deposit because the carpet was 50% worn out. This was the only damage in the apartment. The carpet has a normal useful life of eight years, and it costs $1,000. How much of the security deposit was Lou entitled to withhold?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lou is entitled to withhold the amount necessary to repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Here, the carpet was 50% worn out after four years of use, which is considered ordinary wear and tear. Therefore, Lou is not entitled to withhold any of the security deposit.

Tanya, a Tenant Gave Lou, Her Landlord a $1,000 Security