RE: security deposit
Many leases say tenant must return the property in same or better condition...I don't think a cleaning fee against the deposit would stand in court, unless you prove you are charging for grime, dirt, uncleaned items & areas......one landlord's opinion. I don't charge a cleaning fee to generally go through the place to turn it over...but if i have to scrub sinks, shower, windows, blinds, stove, frig, oven, fans, removing debris, clean carpeting or any specific stained areas, fix gouges in walls, scrub asphalt/concrete to remove stains or grease, repair damages, replace an appliance or item because of abuse or misuse, etc...definitely charge it against the deposit! Of course, if you are replacing an old frig valued currently at $400 for a new model for $1700 you cannot charge $1700 against their deposit.
Posted by
Mary D, MN
on
Tuesday, October 30, 2018