Landlord Question and Answer Forum

So I supplied my tenant with the great move out cleaning guide posted here on EZ Landlord forms (twice), and was very upset upon inspection of the empty property. Walls were not wiped down, baseboards were not, exterior patio and carport is full of cobwebs, exterior windows and screens (dirty and cobwebs) nothing hosed down or swept outside. Fridge has sticky tape residue left behind, Hair stuck on ceiling in one bath and bath fan vent left unwashed. There's more but this should give you an idea. Am I being to petty here because this is already a NON-cash positive up-side down property in wanting to withhold cleaning fees from deposit? I fully expected to have to patch and paint but that was about it not wash ,clean and paint.

There's an article somewhere on this site breaking down the difference between "normal wear and tear" and damage that can be covered by the security deposit, I'll see if I can find it. Here it is: https://www.ezlandlordforms.com/articles/security_deposits__defining_normal_wear_and_tear_and_how_to_handle_security_deposit_disputes/ I would keep whatever you think you can justify, for cleaning stuff that should have been cleaned, and return the rest of the security deposit.

Posted by Gregory T, CA on Tuesday, June 14, 2011