Security Deposit deduction

[Ian Henderson]

This is a general question for security deposit deductions made by a landlord of a complex. Recently I moved out of an apartment complex after a 10 month lease. There was a pre-move out inspection where everything was determined to be in good condition and there were no deductions that would be made. But the cleaning lady being used ( that is contracted by the complex) would not give any information as to what would need to be cleaned to avoid a cleaning fee. Upon move out and receiving a portion of the security deposit, we were charged an over $400 cleaning fee in addition to some normal wear and tear items because they exceeded the apartments self calculated normal wear and tear allowance. They are refusing to provide a hourly rate and number of hours it took for the apartment cleaning because it is contracted at a flat fee. We were not there often due to travel and had no pets, apartment was returned in the same condition that we received it

I am wondering if a normal wear and tear allowance calculation is something that actually exists and by law they need to provide the hourly rate breakdown and what was cleaned correct?

Appreciate any knowledge and advice on this subject!

[Drew Sygit]

@Ian Henderson what does your lease state about all this?

Would you expect a landlord to NOT thoroughly clean after the last tenant moved out before you moved in?

Did you hire a 3rd party cleaning company and provide proof to your landlord?

We don't even provide our owner clients with a breakdown of hours & hourly rate for cleaning! What law requires a landlord to do this?

Normal wear & tear charges are usually not allowed. Check your state statutes.