California law specifically allows the landlord to use a tenant’s security deposit for four purposes:
• For unpaid rent;
• For cleaning the rental unit when the tenant moves out, but only to make the unit as clean as it was when the tenant first moved in;214
• For repair of damages, other than normal wear and tear, caused by the tenant or the tenant’s guests; and
• if the lease or rental agreement allows it, for the cost of restoring or replacing furniture, furnishings, or other items of personal property (including keys), other than because of normal wear and tear.215
A landlord can withhold from the security deposit only those amounts that are reasonably necessary for these purposes. the security deposit cannot be used for repairing defects that existed in the unit before you moved in, for conditions caused by normal wear and tear during your tenancy or previous tenancies, or for cleaning a rental unit that is as clean as it was when you moved in.216 A rental agreement or lease can never state that a security deposit is “nonrefundable.”217

I am positive painting is not required. The only time you can be charged for painting is if it’s part of damage repair, like a wall you kicked through and had to be replaced. Here’s a link:

http://www.caltenantlaw.com/Deposit.htm

And here’s the quote:

Painting is not required, nor is filling in nail holes. These are not valid deductions. Minor scratches are generally normal wear and tear. You should remove all trash and furnishings that are yours; if you don’t you may have the cost of their removal deducted from your deposit.

These landlords either don’t know the law or are banking on you not knowing it. Read that link, familiarize yourself with what it says, and file a claim against your landlord!

Did you know late fees are illegal on residential properties? Fascinating and enlightening stuff!

Too much negative energy in fighting and what about your time lost in a day or half a day in court? Good decision.