Tenant chipped range porcelain. What is the appropiate deduction

[James Barnhart]

A tenant is moving out tomorrow.  I just noticed that she chipped a big piece from the top front of the porcelain gas range, apparently with her large cast iron skillet.  

We bought that like new range recently from a used appliance center for $250.  What do you think would be the appropiate deduction from her security deposit?  

I can touch it up, but it will still look touched up.  

What do you suggest?

[Scott P.]

Those are always tough issues for me because in a sense its almost normal wear-and-tear yet the next tenant isn't going to prefer a large chip because it probably looks trashy.

Although I have a long, long history of fully refunding deposits, I'm beginning to change.  I'd probably tell the tenant that I understand it's an accident but it's more than normal wear and tear and grime.  I'd deduct the $250 from the deposit, perhaps less depreciation - and I'd tell the tenant he's welcome to keep the range if he'd like.