I was a college student in upstate NY and rented an apartment off campus. When I left, I made sure that the apartment was cleaned and vacuumed. I wiped out cabinets, cleaned the frig, cleaned the stove to the best of my ability, washed floors, cleaned the bathroom (tub and toilet), and washed windows. I even washed a few walls. Six weeks after I moved out, I got my check from my security. My landlord deducted for shampooing the rug, and general cleaning. According to NYS law, the security is not to be used for clening normal wear and tear. Is there any list that would tell me what normal wear and tear is? I can't go to small claims because it would cost me more to return to the town as it is 6 hours from my home, I am trying to do this without court.

As you say it may be too costly to fight the landlord in court so you have no real option. You could call him and say you are taking him to court because he charged you for normal wear and tear. Maybe he will blink, maybe not. Sorry