Landlord Question and Answer Forum

Can the landlord take the cost of carpet cleaning out of the security deposit if they insist that only the landlord can pick the carpet cleaning company without allowing the tenant to clean it themselves?

Is this contained in the Lease? If not and all that it specifies is that the tenant is to have the carpet cleaned; then I would think not. If, however, you specify in the contract that : Tenant must hire a reputable company to clean the carpeting upon moev-out; then I would think you have a leg to stand on.

Posted by Donna , NC on Tuesday, July 14, 2009

But it states that the landlord will pick the cleaning company at the tenants expense. The tenant does not get to pick

Posted by naomi l, AK on Tuesday, July 14, 2009

I made my security deposit the same amount as the rent, which is $1,200. When I described like this in my lease, it's worded as followed: $950 security deposit, and a $300 non-refundable cleaning fee. It equals $1,200, but the $300 will cover the carpet & cleaning of the property. It's part of the security deposit, but that portion is non-refundable. That also eliminates the bickering at the end of the lease term, as to what I can't or can't give them back.

Posted by Michelle B, WA on Wednesday, July 15, 2009

In our state (NJ) you can't deduct shampooing the carpet unless there is damage to the carpet IE stains or anything above now wear and tear. But you can charge a cleaning fee to vacuum etc. If you have to replace the carpet then you can only take out for the what the "remaining life" of the carpet would be. What I have researched is that carpet should last 7-10 years so if the carpet is five years and your new carpet installed is $1000 then you can deduct $500 from the deposit to recover you loss.

Posted by Brian C, NJ on Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Hi Whitney M. You seem to know a lot. May I ask where you have found this info? I want to see what it says about the cleanliness of the apartment. I have tenanats that were young and left the place pretty filthy but is trying to tell me he cleaned it out. I am in NJ as well. Thanks. Sally sally.dimaggio@fmr.com

Posted by Peter M, NJ on Wednesday, August 12, 2009