Even real estates dont look at general wear and tear as damage and he should expect 'wear and tear' all over the house

If the appliance is still working a scratch should not be considered 'damaged' in the sense that the appliance requires repairs so i wouldnt worry about it. Think about it, if it was serious damage he could be claiming it on his home insurance....but there is no way a scratch is going to cost more then the excess and no one in their right mind would bother. He's just being pedantic. Ring the property manager (from a different agency if you are not comfortable talking to the landords agent) and ask if the scratch is considered 'wear and tear' or 'damage'