Landlords can generally keep part of a deposit only for specific reasons: unpaid rent, or repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Faded paint and small nail holes are usually normal wear; a hole in the wall or a stained carpet may not be.

Most states give the landlord a deadline (often somewhere around 14 to 30 days) to return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss that deadline, and many states penalize the landlord — sometimes for double or triple the amount.

If your deposit is being held without a good reason, a calm, written demand letter that cites your state deadline often resolves it. If not, small claims court is built for exactly this.

This is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state. For your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.