Nail Holes Are Normal Wear and Tear
Hanging pictures and art is a normal part of making a home livable. Courts and tenant protection agencies across the US consistently hold that small nail holes from picture hanging are normal wear and tear, and landlords cannot charge tenants for them.
What Counts as 'Normal' vs. Chargeable
- Normal: Small nail holes from picture hanging (1/16 inch or smaller)
- Normal: A few small holes per room from standard decoration
- Chargeable: Large holes from anchors, drywall anchors pulled out improperly
- Chargeable: Dozens of holes across a single wall
- Chargeable: Large holes from TVs mounted improperly or removed carelessly
- Chargeable: Holes larger than a quarter
Know This
Some landlords try to charge $10-$20 per nail hole. This is almost always an illegal deduction. If you see this on your itemization, dispute it immediately.
How to Dispute a Nail Hole Charge
- 1Write a dispute letter referencing your state's normal wear and tear statute
- 2Include photos from move-out showing the holes were small
- 3Point out that any pre-existing holes shown in move-in photos cannot be charged
- 4Demand a corrected accounting within 14 days