Security Deposit Cabinet Damage Depreciation Calculator
Cabinet deductions should model the damaged component, not automatically the whole kitchen. Use door, box, hinge, or section cost when the invoice separates scope.
Use this page for broken cabinet doors, water-swollen boxes, missing hardware, or damaged finishes.
Methodology formula
chargeable = max(0, replacement_cost x remaining_life / useful_life) - wear_allowance
For this page, useful life defaults to 20 years for Cabinet door or box repair. Source: InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart.
Useful-life data table
| Item | Useful life | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plush carpet | 5 years | HUD Appendix 5D sample life expectancy chart | HUD examples list family-unit plush carpeting at five years; elderly-unit examples list seven years. |
| Interior enamel paint | 5 years | HUD Appendix 5D sample life expectancy chart | Use for repaint charges when the record shows damage beyond ordinary fading or turnover repainting. |
| Subfloor repair after pet urine saturation | 20 years | InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart | Subfloor work is modeled as a building-component repair; use documented repair scope, not cosmetic carpet replacement. |
| Refrigerator or common kitchen appliance | 10 years | HUD Appendix 5D refrigerator life benchmark; IRS Publication 527 appliance depreciation class | HUD examples list refrigerators at ten years; IRS Publication 527 also treats appliances as depreciable rental property. |
| Cleaning labor | 1 years | State deposit statutes and itemization rules | Cleaning is a service charge, not a depreciating item. Use documented hours and reasonable rate. |
| Hardwood floor repair or refinishing | 25 years | InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart | Use repair/refinish cost when feasible; full replacement should be documented separately. |
| Pet damage repair | 7 years | HUD Appendix 5C damage examples plus item-specific useful life | Pet damage is routed to the damaged component; this default is for mixed minor fixture and surface repairs. |
| Interior door frame | 20 years | InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart | Model actual repair cost for split jambs, chewed trim, or broken casing; do not charge for ordinary scuffs. |
| Laminate or solid-surface countertop | 20 years | InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart | Use documented replacement section cost where possible; full kitchen replacement usually overstates tenant-side value. |
| Window shades, screens, and blinds | 3 years | HUD Appendix 5D sample life expectancy chart | HUD examples list shades, screens, and blinds at three years for family and elderly units. |
| Cabinet door or box repair | 20 years | InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart | Use the damaged cabinet component cost, not the cost of replacing undamaged matching cabinetry. |
Comparison table
| Option | Best for | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| DepositDeduct worksheet | Fast neutral estimate with source links | Does not replace legal advice or court findings |
| Manual spreadsheet | Custom evidence packets | Easy to forget useful-life proration or state deadlines |
| Forum answer | Anecdotes and negotiation language | Usually lacks documented math and statutory citations |