Landlord Question and Answer Forum

can i deduct from security deposit the cost of labor to remove abandoned satellite dish left on property & storage. How much can i charge for storage fee? Should it be per day or what? Can i charge cleaning service charge if i did the cleaning? How do i find out how much to chare, if i can?

I would not remove the Dish since you cannot stop tenant from having one installed. Leave it there incase another tenant wants to use it…….I would get 3 estimates (cost & time to clean) of the same type of cleaning and take the average hourly cost. Since you don’t do cleaning as a business, I would not claim more hours to clean even it took you longer. -----Disclaimer: Since I’ve been answering a lot of questions, I thought I would make the following statement. I’m not affiliated with EZlandlord Forms. I’m just here (not sure how long) to help those that have questions. Having 40+ yrs with Rental Property and done well, it’s my way of “Pay it Forward (check out the movie).” However, it is up to you to become familiar with Fed/State/Local and Tax Laws. I always like to know if the suggestions I offer are helpful. Feel free to comment anytime. Thanks in Advance. BTW...check out the Rental Property Organizer at Simp-List.com. Free Trial Download. A great program at a great price! Check it out.

Posted by Bob R, CA on Monday, May 20, 2013

Thank you for your reply. Also, I used cleaning products that I had available at home. How do I determine a cost of cleaning products from my home?

Posted by Jeff & LInda C, CA on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The painters of my house were not able to paint where the dish was located. They removed it and we have it stored at our home. Prior email says not to remove, but in this situation, am I allowed to have it removed under Califonia law?

Posted by Jeff & LInda C, CA on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Cleaning products – for who do you need the cost for. Tenant or IRS?......Dish – Who said not to remove?

Posted by Bob R, CA on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

my sons landlord was an attorney. She actually included in the lease her $25 per hour with a 4 hr minimum fee for cleaning. This also included trip time to Home Depot.

Posted by Robert O, CO on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

@ Robert - is there a question here? Was trip to HD part of 4 hrs or extra?

Posted by Bob R, CA on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Bob, Your suggestions of taking an estimate of 3 cleaning service, was very useful and helpful.. Thank you. LInda

Posted by Jeff & LInda C, CA on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hi Robert. Thank you for your reply. I had no idea on how how to break even word it. Please continue to reply. I think landlords like to know actual data they've use, especially if they live in the same state. This saves time as well as giving a ball park figure. Thanks again! Take care. LInda

Posted by Jeff & LInda C, CA on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I'm a FL landlord and I've got a tenant that installed a dish, had it removed but left the plate and some wires coming from the house...so is it reasonable to charge against the security deposit for the removal of the plate and wires as well as assess for damages against the tenant if the roofing company finds damage?

Posted by Steven and Sezanne C, VA on Thursday, January 15, 2015