Remember the tenant who lost her $1500 deposit over a single blue wall? Someone just sent me an update. In small claims court, the landlord brought receipts showing a painting company estimate for $1800 to “restore the wall to original condition.” He argued that since the tenant violated the lease by altering the property, he had the right to keep the full deposit. The tenant showed photos of the wall — smooth, professional-looking, no damage. She argued the repaint could be done for under $200, and that the landlord was inflating costs to pocket the difference. The judge’s reaction surprised both sides. He ruled the landlord could deduct reasonable painting costs, but not the entire deposit. The landlord was ordered to return $1200 to the tenant, keeping $300 for repainting. Now, both sides are angry. The landlord says he lost money because the estimate was real. The tenant says she still lost $300 for a wall that wasn’t even damaged. Fair ruling or not? #House #TenantRights #Landlord #RentHacks