But if the unit does not rent for any reason, you may have to resort to Small Claims Court to get your money back. I lived in this apartment for about four months. I don't believe this is legitimate. A guideline suggested by some public housing agencies is that after three years of living in the unit, painting is a normal maintenance expense born by the landlord. Some landlords use the deposit to improve the rental unit, instead of deducting only for legitimate cleaning, damages or painting.
Landlords know that deducting extra money from a deposit can be very lucrative.
If you did not cause the need for painting with excessive wear, you should demand the return of your money. Questions should be brief and to the point and cannot be answered individually.