Usually, your landlord can only charge you for cleaning if the property is left in a dirtier state than it was when you moved in, considering normal wear and tear. This means that if you leave the property reasonably clean, your landlord cannot deduct from your deposit for cleaning. Your landlord cannot keep your security deposit to cover normal cleaning expenses. Landlords must detail any cleaning deductions from the security deposit in writing. Cleaning charges should be reasonable and necessary. If you feel that your landlord is deducting an unreasonable amount, you can file a complaint with the local housing authority.

State and Tenant Rights

State and local laws vary widely regarding cleaning deductions from security deposits. In general, landlords are permitted to deduct reasonable cleaning costs from the security deposit if the property is not left in a clean and orderly condition upon the tenant’s departure. However, specific requirements and limitations may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Understanding Cleaning Deductions

Here are some essential points to consider:

• Normal Wear and Tear: Landlords cannot deduct the cost of cleaning for normal wear and tear, which is deterioration that occurs naturally over time with ordinary use. For instance, minor smudges on the walls or carpets do not usually qualify for cleaning deductions.
• Excessive Dirt and Damage: Conversely, if the property is excessively dirty or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord may be allowed to deduct cleaning costs from the deposit. This includes excessive dirt, stains, damage to appliances or fixtures, or pest infestation caused by the tenant’s neglect.
• Cleaning Costs Documentation: Landlords must provide detailed documentation of the cleaning costs, such as receipts, invoices, or estimates from professional cleaners. They should also provide the tenant with an itemized list of the cleaning charges.
• Cleaning Standards: In some jurisdictions, landlords are required to disclose their cleaning standards to tenants before the lease begins. This helps ensure that tenants are aware of what is expected of them when they move out.

Legal Constraints

Landlords must comply with applicable state and local laws when deducting cleaning costs from security deposits. Here are some legal considerations:

• Refund Deadlines: Landlords are typically required to return the security deposit, minus any authorized deductions, to the tenant within a specific time frame after the tenant vacates the property. This timeframe varies by jurisdiction.
• Disputes: If a tenant disagrees with the cleaning deductions, they may file a complaint with the local housing authority or small claims court. Landlords should keep accurate records of cleaning costs to support their claims in case of disputes.

Additional Resources

• Nolo: Tenants’ Rights: Security Deposits
• GSA: Security Deposits

Summary Table: Cleaning Deductions

What Cleaning Costs can Landlords Deduct from a Deposit?

When a tenant moves out of a rental property, the landlord may be able to deduct certain cleaning expenses from their security deposit. These deductions are typically allowed to return the property to a clean and habitable condition for the next tenant.

The specific cleaning costs that a landlord can deduct from a deposit will vary depending on the terms of the lease agreement and the condition of the property. However, some common types of cleaning expenses that are deductible include:

• General cleaning, such as vacuuming, dusting, and mopping.
• Cleaning of the kitchen, including the oven, stove, refrigerator, and microwave.
• Cleaning of the bathroom, including the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub.
• Cleaning of windows and window coverings.
• Removal of trash and debris from the property.
• Carpet cleaning or replacement.
• Repairs to damaged walls, floors, or fixtures.

It’s important to note that landlords cannot deduct cleaning costs that are considered to be normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear is the gradual deterioration of a property that occurs over time due to its use. For example, a landlord cannot deduct the cost of cleaning a carpet that has simply become dirty over time. However, they can deduct the cost of cleaning a carpet that has been damaged by the tenant.

If a landlord wants to deduct cleaning costs from a tenant’s security deposit, they must provide the tenant with a written statement of the deductions. This statement should include a description of the cleaning costs, the amount of each deduction, and the total amount of the deductions. The landlord must also provide the tenant with a copy of the lease agreement and any other relevant documents.

If a tenant disagrees with the landlord’s deductions, they can file a complaint with the local housing authority. The housing authority will investigate the complaint and make a determination as to whether the deductions were reasonable.