Take pictures before you move in. Make sure to document any damage no matter how small.
Keep a signed copy of your lease in a safe place.
Leave the place in as good condition as it was when you found it. Make sure any specific items mentioned as part of the move out are addressed and that you can prove it.
Take pictures when you move out.
Research your states small claims court rules and procedures.
Sue landlord in small claims court if they try to steal your deposit.
I did this to a landlord who tried to rip us off with a bunch of bullshit fees after we left the house in immaculate condition. We tried talking to them and they wouldn’t even respond. It cost me about $100 for the court fee and to have them served. They must have known they fucked up because they paid up (deposit and court fees) almost immediately.
It pissed me off because I guarantee I’m not the first person they pulled that shit on.
I once had a deduction from my deposit for a paintbrush and can of paint left on top of a kitchen cabinet; it had been left by their team when I moved in.
I have some paint in a cabinet which was leftover from when I moved in. I figured it might be useful if I need to touch up anything (although I haven’t used it in 2 years yet, so it might not be good anymore). At first I thought that another person’s comment was weird, before realizing I’m basically the same, except that I leave the paint in a cabinet.
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