text: I read in court docs that they cannot withold your security deposit for basic wear and tear, now if you remove fixtures or put holes in the wall tear up stuff pretty bad, that warrants them keeping it. Otherwise, you have a right to get it back.  Generally a landlord repaints and puts new carpet in between tenants if one was there for that long. In my experience at least.  I mean, i dont know about you but for one 500 is alot of money to me, and for two, its principal that you didnt cause serious damage and should get it back.  Id call the local housing board or HUD or whatever and see what your state laws are. If your in the right, consult a lawyer.