Landlord Question and Answer Forum

By Colorado law what all do I have to provide to the Tenant with my letter. My understanding is that I have to provide them with a detailed statement of Charges. I did so but am getting push back from the tenant on some of the charges how detailed are you supposed to be? 2nd half of my question is. For cleaning can I hire a family member to clean the property at a hourly rate and charge the tenant for failiure to clean the property and return in the condition it was given? Thanks Jessica

In the state of Washington, the landlord has 14 days after a tenant moves out to return the security deposit or give a written explanation of why it (or any part of it) was not refunded. As far as the security deposit refund, typically, landlords may charge tenants for any cleaning or repairs necessary to restore the rental unit to its condition at the beginning of the tenancy. Landlords may not, however, use the tenant's security deposit to cover the costs of ordinary wear and tear.

Posted by Brad B, GA on Monday, May 21, 2012

Brad B although I appreciate your feed back my question was not realated to Washington. I was asking assistance for COLORADO.

Posted by Jessica B, WA on Monday, May 21, 2012

Hi Jessica... Colorado law requires the landlord return the security deposit or an itemized statement of the deductions and balance, if any, to the tenant within 30 days after termination of the lease.You cant charge for normal wear and tear. If the tenant is questioning the charges, site examples. If you hire someone to clean, just save the bill. I doubt it would matter if its a friend or family member.

Posted by karen s, WI on Monday, May 21, 2012

Karen thank you how detailed in the statement do you have to be? I just broke it down by what the cleaning was for but didnt' list the amount of time it took to clean. Regarding the cleaning I had my mom do it but didnt know if I go to court if I had to have paid her or hired a business to be able to charge the tenant legally for the cleaning.

Posted by Jessica B, WA on Monday, May 21, 2012