Non refundable cleaning fee upon move out

[Anya K.]

Hi BP community,

Is anyone charging a non refundable cleaning fee at end of lease or taking one out of the deposit? I am thinking of writing one into my lease. That way at the end of the lease I can line someone up ahead of time to come and clean to our standards instead of scrambling to find someone last minute if the apartment is left dirty (we usually have one day turnover). I currently provide the tenants who are moving out with a cleaning checklist and settlement charges for items left dirty. Even with high fees for cleaning, tenants still don't thoroughly clean. Most don't own vacuum or even a broom!!! Not only that, but they sometimes use the wrong products and end up ruining surfaces. With a cleaning fee, all they have to worry about is getting their stuff out by set time. Anyone have advice?

[Max T.]

Sounds good - just guarantees that they wont clean upon move out. But if that is built in to your model and works for you... go for it!