Deducting cost for fixing paint patches (AZ)

[Scott Felix]

After tenant moved out, we noticed paint patches in multiple rooms. The tenant had put unapproved decorations on the walls and after decoration removal, they tried to repaint with similar shade without any approval. The tenant had stayed in the house for 4 years.

Considering the time of tenants stay, can we recover cost of paint to fix the patches. Will that be on prorated basis or the full cost to repaint those rooms. The rooms that needed repaint were definitely the ones with the patches put by tenant. We understand small holes from nails are part of wear & tear and cannot be charged. These are lot bigger patches.

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

Do you have a move IN photos and condition form signed by the former tenant to support your claim of damages? If so you might be able to collect something if you provide either a written estimate by a professional painter, or an invoice from one. Judges don't usually approve payments for landlords personal labor, only materials. Of course this varies by jurisdiction...
Having said that, how difficult would it be to get a quart color matched by computer and properly touch up what many courts would consider "normal" wear and tear, and not chargeable. Everybody hangs a few pictures.