In Wisconsin, landlords are permitted to charge tenants for cleaning services, however, there are specific regulations that must be followed. The landlord must provide a detailed description of the cleaning services to be performed and the associated costs before the tenant moves in. The charges must be reasonable and customary for the type of property and the level of cleaning required. The landlord is not allowed to charge for cleaning services that were not performed or for cleaning that is the responsibility of the tenant. If a tenant believes that the cleaning charges are excessive or unreasonable, they can file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Landlord’s Rights and Responsibilities
In Wisconsin, landlords have the right to charge tenants for cleaning fees. However, these fees must be reasonable and must be disclosed to the tenant in writing before the lease is signed.
Landlords are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the rental unit. This includes cleaning common areas, such as hallways and laundry rooms, as well as making repairs to the unit as needed.
Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities
- Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental unit clean and sanitary.
- Tenants are also responsible for any damage to the unit that they cause.
- Tenants should work with their landlord to resolve any cleaning issues that arise.
What is a Reasonable Cleaning Fee?
The amount that a landlord can charge for a cleaning fee will vary depending on the size of the rental unit, the condition of the unit, and the services that are included in the fee. Some common cleaning services that landlords may charge for include:
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Dusting furniture and surfaces
- Cleaning windows
- Cleaning appliances
- Cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
Landlords should provide tenants with a detailed list of the cleaning services that are included in the fee. The fee should also be reasonable in relation to the cost of the services. If a tenant feels that the cleaning fee is excessive, they can negotiate with the landlord or file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
When Can a Landlord Charge a Cleaning Fee?
Landlords can charge a cleaning fee at the end of a tenancy, or when a tenant moves out of the unit. Landlords can also charge a cleaning fee if a tenant breaks their lease or causes damage to the unit.
How to Avoid Cleaning Fees
There are a few things that tenants can do to avoid being charged a cleaning fee:
- Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary.
- Report any damage to the unit to the landlord immediately.
- Work with the landlord to resolve any cleaning issues that arise.
- Pay the rent on time and comply with the terms of the lease.
Conclusion
Landlords in Wisconsin have the right to charge tenants for cleaning fees. However, these fees must be reasonable and must be disclosed to the tenant in writing before the lease is signed. Tenants can avoid being charged a cleaning fee by keeping the rental unit clean and sanitary, reporting any damage to the unit to the landlord immediately, and working with the landlord to resolve any cleaning issues that arise.
Security Deposit Deductions
Wisconsin landlords are permitted to deduct certain costs from a tenant’s security deposit upon the termination of the lease. These deductions may include unpaid rent, damages to the property caused by the tenant, and cleaning costs incurred by the landlord to restore the property to its original condition.
- Cleaning Costs: Landlords in Wisconsin can deduct the reasonable cost of cleaning the rental unit from the security deposit. This includes cleaning carpets, floors, windows, appliances, and other fixtures. The landlord must provide an itemized statement of the cleaning costs to the tenant.
- Unpaid Rent: Landlords can also deduct any unpaid rent from the security deposit. This includes late fees and other charges associated with the rent.
- Damages: Landlords are allowed to deduct the cost of repairing any damages to the property caused by the tenant. This includes damages to walls, fixtures, appliances, and other parts of the unit.
It’s important to note that landlords can only deduct actual costs from the security deposit. They cannot charge a flat cleaning fee or deduct more than the actual cost of cleaning or repairs. Landlords must also provide the tenant with an itemized statement of the deductions within a reasonable time after the termination of the lease.
| Deduction | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Yes, reasonable costs |
| Unpaid Rent | Yes |
| Damages | Yes, actual cost of repairs |
If a landlord deducts an unreasonable amount from the security deposit, the tenant may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The DATCP can investigate the complaint and order the landlord to refund the tenant’s money.
Wisconsin Law on Landlord’s Right to Charge for Cleaning
In Wisconsin, landlords are generally prohibited from charging tenants for cleaning fees, unless the tenant has caused excessive damage to the rental unit beyond normal wear and tear. Landlords may also charge for cleaning if the lease agreement specifically allows for such fees.
Tenant’s Cleaning Obligations
Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental units clean and sanitary. This includes:
- Regularly sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors
- Cleaning kitchen appliances, including the stove, oven, and refrigerator
- Cleaning bathroom fixtures, including the toilet, sink, and shower
- Taking out the trash and recycling regularly
- Dusting furniture and windowsills
- Cleaning windows and mirrors
When a Landlord Can Charge for Cleaning
Landlords may charge for cleaning if:
- The tenant has caused excessive damage to the rental unit beyond normal wear and tear.
- The lease agreement specifically allows for cleaning fees.
In either case, landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of the cleaning charges before they can be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.
Avoiding Cleaning Fees
Tenants can avoid cleaning fees by:
- Keeping their rental units clean and sanitary.
- Cleaning the rental unit thoroughly before moving out.
- Reviewing the lease agreement carefully before signing it to ensure that there are no provisions for cleaning fees.
What to Do if You’re Charged a Cleaning Fee
If you’re charged a cleaning fee that you believe is unjustified, you can:
- Contact your landlord and try to negotiate a lower fee.
- File a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
- File a lawsuit against your landlord in small claims court.
Comparison of Landlord’s Cleaning Fee Rights in Different States
| State | Landlord’s Right to Charge for Cleaning |
|---|---|
| California | Landlords cannot charge tenants for cleaning fees, unless the tenant has caused excessive damage to the rental unit. |
| Florida | Landlords can charge tenants for cleaning fees, but the fees must be reasonable. |
| Illinois | Landlords cannot charge tenants for cleaning fees, unless the tenant has caused excessive damage to the rental unit. |
| New York | Landlords can charge tenants for cleaning fees, but the fees must be reasonable. |
| Texas | Landlords can charge tenants for cleaning fees, but the fees must be reasonable. |
Small Claims Court
If negotiations with your landlord fail, you can take them to small claims court to settle the cleaning dispute. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before filing a claim:
- Research and Evidence: Gather all relevant documents, receipts, and evidence related to the cleaning charges. This may include your lease agreement, cleaning receipts, photos of the property before and after cleaning, and statements from witnesses.
- Filing Fee: There is a filing fee associated with small claims court. Contact your local court clerk’s office to determine the exact amount.
- Jurisdictional Limit: Small claims courts have a jurisdictional limit on the amount of money you can claim. In Wisconsin, the limit is $5,000, including court costs and fees.
- Representation: You can represent yourself in small claims court, but you may consider hiring an attorney if the case is complex or involves a significant amount of money.
Once you have filed your claim, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, both you and your landlord will have the opportunity to present your case. The judge will then make a decision based on the evidence presented.
| Scenario | Landlord’s Right |
|
Cleaning is necessary to return the property to its original condition. |
Can charge a reasonable cleaning fee. |
|
Cleaning is excessive or unnecessary. |
Cannot charge a cleaning fee. |
|
Cleaning is required due to normal wear and tear. |
Cannot charge a cleaning fee. |
|
Cleaning is required due to tenant’s negligence or damage. |
Can charge a reasonable cleaning fee. |
Well, folks, that’s about all I got for you on the topic of cleaning fees in Wisconsin. I hope you found this article helpful. I tried to cover all the bases, but if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer or your local housing authority. Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you next time.