Can a landlord charge for a broken window?
Short answer
Often a valid deduction
A window the tenant, their household, or guests broke is generally a fair deduction, since broken glass is damage — but glass that failed on its own from a defect is the landlord's cost.
Broken or cracked window glass caused by the tenant, their household, or guests is classic damage you can deduct — the reasonable, documented cost of repair or reglazing.
The exception is glass that failed on its own: a blown seal in a double-pane unit or a crack from a structural or building defect. If the tenant didn't cause it, it's a repair the landlord absorbs.
Usually normal wear & tear
- ✓Seal failure in older double-pane glass
- ✓Defect-related cracks the tenant didn't cause
Often chargeable damage
- •Glass broken by the tenant, household, or guests
More deduction questions
This is general educational information about how normal wear and tear is typically distinguished from tenant damage — not legal advice. Deposit rules vary by state and locality; confirm your state's rules or consult a local attorney before relying on any specific deduction.