Move-Out Repairs in Charlotte NC — Get Your Deposit Back

Moving out of a Charlotte apartment or rental home? Landlords in North Carolina can legally deduct repair costs from your security deposit if the unit isn't returned in the condition it was received — beyond normal wear and tear. Here's exactly what to fix before inspection and what it typically costs.

What Charlotte Landlords Check at Move-Out

Walls. Nail holes from picture hanging, large patches, screw holes, and any anchor damage. Small nail holes (finish nails, under 1/4") are typically considered normal wear and tear in NC. Large holes from drywall anchors or door handles are not.

Doors. Interior doors that don't latch properly, handles that are loose or broken, damaged trim around doorframes.

Paint. Heavy scuffs, marks, or stains that go beyond normal use. In NC, landlords can charge for repainting if damage goes beyond normal wear and tear — though they typically have to prorate for paint age.

Fixtures. Light switches, outlets, fixture covers, ceiling fan operation, smoke detectors.

Floors. Landlords check for damage beyond normal wear. This is mostly outside handyman scope — flooring replacement is typically a contractor job.

Cleanliness of fixtures. Bathroom caulk, kitchen caulk, range hood filters, garbage disposal condition.

Repairs Worth Doing Before Move-Out

Drywall patching. This is the big one. A professional drywall patch from a nail hole or small anchor hole takes 20–30 minutes and costs $75–$95 for a standard repair. If a landlord does it themselves, they'll often charge you $150–$250. It's almost always cheaper to hire a handyman before inspection.

Door fixes. Loose hinges, sticky latches, misaligned doors. Usually a 30-minute job at $75–$95. Landlords charge $150+ to replace a door they could have adjusted.

Light fixture replacement. If a fixture is damaged or missing, replace it before move-out. A basic replacement fixture costs $25–$50; installation with a handyman runs $75–$95.

Caulk replacement. Black or peeling caulk around the tub, shower, or kitchen sink. Removal and replacement runs $75–$95 and takes about an hour.

NC Security Deposit Law — What You Need to Know

North Carolina landlords have 30 days to provide an itemized list of deductions after you move out (or provide the deposit back in full). Key points:

• —Normal wear and tear cannot be charged to tenant
• —Landlord must give you opportunity to correct damage before charging in some circumstances
• —Costs must be reasonable and documented

"Normal wear and tear" in NC generally means: small nail holes, minor scuffs, slight discoloration from age, gradual carpet wear from walking.

Not normal wear and tear: Large holes, stains, damaged fixtures, broken doors, heavy marks.

What FixCraft VP Charges for Move-Out Repairs in Charlotte

| Job | Typical Cost | |---|---| | Drywall hole patching (up to 5 holes) | $75–$120 | | Door adjustment and latch repair | $75–$95 | | Caulk removal and replacement | $75–$95 | | Light fixture replacement | $75–$95 + fixture cost | | Full move-out repair visit | $150–$250 (multiple small jobs) |

We typically schedule within the week — book early if you have a tight move-out deadline. Call 980-201-6705 or book at fixcraftvp.com.