What to do about security deposit when stainless steel appliances discolored?

[Suzanne Player]

Tenant just moved out, cleaners found they used the wrong type of cleaning product on the stainless steel appliances, causing a permanent discoloration.  Professional cleaners (Molly Maid Company) says it can't be cleaned.

Has anyone had experience with damage that can't be fixed, but maybe doesn't warrant a brand new appliance?

How would you handle this in the security deposit?

Photos below

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Suzanne Player, I suspect that can be buffed out of the surface. So, I would find a handyman or something who could do that or maybe first just have the cleaning person try a product by hand meant to remove scratches which I think does the same thing but with manual scrubbing.

Not something I would charge on a deposit for. They tried to clean it, unless you left specific instructions on the care I think its normal for people to make a minor error like that cleaning. 

[Scott Mac]

Is this what you want to offer to your renters going forward into the future until the end of service life of these units?

If the lease sets forth how to clean these units with a special cleaner it seems charging the renter for the damage would be a possible move.

If no mention was made of any type of special cleaner in the lease - that seems like an error on your part and would be a cost that you would have to bear.

if you are charging the renter how old the units are makes a difference.

If for instance the service life is 10 years and they are 5 years old, it seems reasonable to charge their security deposit 50% of the costs of replacing the damaged units.

Here is the HUD Service Life list if you are interested:

https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/EUL_FOR_CNA_E_TOOL.PDF 

Good Luck!

[Ned J.]

WD 40-,  maroon or gray scotchbrite pad..... even strokes from top to bottom going with the grain of the SS ... follow the grain pattern since it may be different on the stove vs refrigerator...... DO NOT GO SIDE TO SIDE against the grain or swirl..... one full pass going with the grain, then move over and do another full pass...full length. It may not turn out perfect but it will be way better.

I do high end cars and clean SS all the time.... that can be fixed pretty easy. Google cleaning SS