Can a landlord charge for nail holes in the wall?
Short answer
Usually normal wear and tear
Small nail and pin holes from hanging pictures are almost always considered normal wear and tear. Large anchor holes, many holes, or holes that tore the drywall can be a legitimate repair charge.
Hanging things on the wall is normal use of a home, and the small holes left by picture nails or thumbtacks are the textbook example of wear and tear. Deducting for a handful of pin holes is one of the most commonly challenged — and lost — deposit deductions.
It changes when the holes are large or destructive: big holes from wall anchors, mounting a TV, or shelving; dozens of holes across a wall; or holes where the drywall paper tore and needs patching and sanding rather than a dab of filler.
A reasonable rule of thumb: if a quick spackle-and-touch-up during normal repainting would handle it, it's wear and tear. If it needs real drywall repair, it may be chargeable.
Usually normal wear & tear
- ✓Small nail or pin holes from picture frames
- ✓A few thumbtack holes
- ✓Tiny marks that fill during normal repainting
Often chargeable damage
- •Large holes from wall anchors or TV mounts
- •Drywall torn or cratered
- •Excessive numbers of holes across walls
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.