BONUS #2 · HUD & STATE COURT USEFUL-LIFE DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE FOR APARTMENT PAINT, CARPET & APPLIANCES

How to Prove in 30 Seconds That Your Landlord owes You $0.00 for Repainting Walls or Replacing Used Carpet

Apartment Fixture / Item	HUD / Court Useful Life	After 2 Years Tenancy	After 3+ Years Tenancy
Interior Flat / Eggshell Paint	24 to 36 Months (2–3 Years)	67%–100% Depreciated (Max 33% Charge)	100% Depreciated ($0.00 Chargeable to Tenant)
Standard Rental-Grade Carpet	60 Months (5 Years per HUD Appendix 5D)	40% Depreciated (Max 60% Prorated Cost)	60%–100% Depreciated (Zero Full-Replacement Charge)
Mini-Blinds & Window Shades	36 Months (3 Years)	67% Depreciated	100% Depreciated ($0.00 Chargeable)
Routine Turnover Cleaning	Broom-Clean Move-Out Standard	Professional Steam/Deep Clean Unlawful Unless Stated	Landlord Cannot Bill Tenant to Prep Unit for New Lease

Actionable Execution Protocol: Even if your pet stained a 4-year-old apartment carpet beyond repair, a landlord can NEVER legally charge you 100% of the cost of new carpet. Under the Prorated Useful-Life Doctrine, a 4-year-old carpet with a 5-year HUD lifespan has only 20% remaining value—meaning the maximum legal deduction is 20% of the invoice, and only if the landlord provides the original installation receipt showing the carpet's age.