Normal Wear and Tear (Maine)
Maine law says a security deposit cannot be retained for normal wear and tear.
That rule matters because many deposit disputes are really about whether a charge is ordinary use or tenant-caused damage.
The strongest normal-wear response ties the condition proof to the landlord's written itemization. If the written statement calls something damage, compare it to your move-in photos, move-out photos, repair messages, and ordinary-use explanation.
What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear?
Normal wear and tear usually means ordinary deterioration from living in the home in a reasonable way.
Examples can include minor scuffs, light carpet wear, faded paint, and ordinary aging of fixtures.
Common Examples Renters Usually Question
- faded paint
- small nail holes
- lightly worn carpet
- minor wall scuffs
- ordinary aging of appliances or fixtures
Those examples are not automatic wins. The facts still matter. But they are the kind of charges renters should question if the landlord treats ordinary use like damage.
What Looks More Like Damage?
Damage is more likely when there are broken items, large holes, missing property, heavy stains, pet damage, or conditions caused by misuse.
Photos, move-in records, move-out photos, and the written itemization help separate those categories.
If the itemization is missing, vague, or late, that is a separate Maine leverage point. Missing the return or written-itemization deadline can make the landlord forfeit the right to withhold the deposit.
See the full breakdown: What Can a Landlord Deduct in ME?