[MattBearman]

Wow, this (along with the whole health care thing) makes me glad I live in the UK.

Here renting property is very well regulated, you put down a security deposit when you move in (usually 1.5 months rent) and then any charges like this are taken from that. The best part is the security deposit legally has to be left with a third party (DPS), and then if the land lord wants to keep any of it, they have to go through the DPS, and show proof of damage and reasonable charges.

On the other hand, the weather here makes me wish I lived in the US :)

[DavidAdams]

The shenanigans the commenter is outlining is probably an attempt to make sure that the landlord can ensure that there will be enough minor charges at move-out to enable them to keep the entire security deposit. It's shady and probably wouldn't hold up in court, but most renters wouldn't fight it and would just forfeit their deposit.

[ambiate]

I had a landlord in Wisconsin which kept the deposit and charged an extra $200 (for weathering a high traffic area of the carpet). My current landlord is in Texas. My landlords from Mississippi were much shadier and would shame your reputation just for moving out if anyone called.

[lawnchair_larry]

It's a relatively new trend in the US for corporate owned rental properties to use essentially fraudulent nickel-and-diming on the damage deposit as an additional revenue stream.

If you move to the US and have to rent, find a private owner renting their condo or similar. Never live in an "apartment community" with a corporate owner.

[chiph]

I am paying $15 a month "pet rent" for my cat. I am under no illusions that when I move out they will use my cat as an excuse to keep the deposit.

[thoughtpalette]

That is the standard in the Chicago, IL area as well and coincides from what I've heard of from friends around the states.