Landlord Keeping $3,800 Security Deposit for “Normal Wear and Tear” in California

Lived in an apartment in San Diego for 5 years. Paid $3,800 security deposit. Left the place clean, did a walk-through with the property manager who said "looks good." Now I got an itemized deduction list: $1,200 for "carpet replacement," $800 for "repainting," $600 for "deep cleaning," and $1,200 for "appliance wear." They're keeping the entire deposit.

After 5 years, isn't carpet and paint normal wear and tear?? The apartment was in better condition than when I moved in.

Document everything with move-in and move-out photos if you have them. The walk-through where the property manager said "looks good" is great evidence. Did you record it or get it in writing?