Complete Guide
Small Nail Holes: Damage or Normal Wear?
Are nail holes from hanging pictures considered damage? See what courts say about "reasonable use" vs. excessive damage.
Key Takeaways
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illegal deductions for normal wear and tear
The "Reasonable Use" Standard
Most courts agree: Tenants have a right to treat the rental as their home, which includes hanging pictures, mirrors, and curtains.
Small Number of Holes = Normal Wear Leaving a few small nail holes (tacks, small nails) in each room is considered "reasonable use." Landlords typically patch and paint these during standard turnover turnover.
Excessive Holes = Damage Turning a wall into "Swiss cheese" with dozens of holes, or using large anchors/bolts for heavy TV mounts that leave gaping holes, is considered damage. You can be charged for the labor to patch and texture these.
The "Dime" Test
A common rule of thumb used by small claims judges:
- If the hole is smaller than a dime, it's usually spackled easily and is normal wear.
- If the hole is larger than a dime (e.g., from a toggle bolt), it requires more extensive repair and may be charged as damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I spackle the holes myself?
Be careful. If you do a bad job (e.g., spackle is lumpy or doesn't match texture), the landlord may charge you *more* to sand it down and redo it. Unless you are skilled, it is often safer to leave small holes alone.
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