Can a landlord charge for burns, cuts, or damage to countertops?
Short answer
It depends
Light surface wear on a counter is expected, but burns, deep cuts, cracks, or chips the tenant caused can be chargeable — prorated for the counter's age.
Countertops show light use over time — fine scratches, dulling — and that's wear and tear. A counter that's simply aged isn't a tenant charge.
Heat burns from hot pans, deep knife cuts, cracks, chips, or laminate lifted by standing water are damage. Because full replacement is costly, prorate for the counter's remaining life and document with photos rather than billing a new countertop for old damage.
Usually normal wear & tear
- ✓Fine surface scratches
- ✓Dulling with age
Often chargeable damage
- •Heat burns from pans
- •Deep knife cuts, cracks, or chips
- •Laminate lifted by standing water
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.