Landlord Tools

Can a landlord charge for torn or missing window screens?

Short answer

It depends

Screens gone brittle or faded from sun and age are wear and tear, but screens a tenant tore, bent, or lost can be a small, reasonable replacement charge.

Window screens degrade in sunlight and turn brittle over years — that deterioration is wear and tear, not a tenant charge. Expecting screens to look new after long exposure isn't reasonable.

Screens torn, punched out, bent, or missing because of the tenant can be replaced at their cost. Screens are cheap, so keep any deduction to the actual replacement price.

Usually normal wear & tear

  • ✓Sun-faded, brittle screens
  • ✓Minor aging

Often chargeable damage

  • •Torn or punched-out screens
  • •Bent frames or missing screens the tenant removed
Generate an itemized deduction letter →Calculate the deposit refund →

More deduction questions

carpet cleaningcarpet replacementpaintingnail holescleaning feespet damagebroken blindsunpaid rentappliance damagefloor scratchesmoldsmoke damagelast month's rentlost keyslight bulbstrash removallawn caredoor damagebroken windowcountertop damageTV mount holeswater damageoven cleaningbathroom fixtures

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.