witholding a security deposit-lack of cleaning and gardening

[Irma Duran]

my tenant of two years  received a $70 monthly rent credit in exchange of maintaining the front and back yard. This agreement was written into the lease. The front yard was maintained but the back yard was over grown with weeds and uneven from their dogs digging holes and most of the grass dead. The sprinklers were no longer working. They were buried in dirt or broken off. The cheapest quote I received from a gardener was $400. I deducted $300 from the deposit. The house was not cleaned at all, there was no attempt to clean anything, it was filthy. Their children scribbled with permanent marker/crayons/nail polish/paint on a 2 year old carpet, walls, ceilings, doors, cabinets and backyard stucco. Pet damage to side door to garage (had to be replace$60) and scratched windows on french doors. I received a quote from Merry Maids for $400. I deducted $200 for more than the ordinary wear and tear cleaning cost. We are in California and it is legal to withhold a security deposit for cleaning. We did all the work ourselves so wanting to be fair I didn't charge the quoted amounts. My ex tenant is upset and is requesting their $560 back. They feel that they were over charged and would like the receipts for the work done. I do have all the home depot receipts but not labor receipts. I had sent them an itemized list of the deductions along with pictures of the damage and their cashiers check of their remaining security deposit. I would appreciate any advice.