Shady property managers consider security deposits an additional revenue stream and will cite any minuscule damage as reason for forfeiting it. For example they

Shady property managers consider security deposits an additional revenue stream and will cite any minuscule damage as reason for forfeiting it. For example they'll cite a need for "professional carpet cleaning" that coincidentally costs as much as the deposit, and then just pocket the money without delivering clean carpets for the next resident. When property management does not pay the utility bill they will furnish apartments with the cheapest energy hog appliances. When they do pay the utility bill they will lock the thermostat. If you select an premium apartment and the market is not tilted in favor of landlords as it is in most cities then they tend to care about the customer experience. Since they're making their margin on the higher rent already and they know too much BS will lead to people switching away.