Security deposit settlement for not cleaning

[Constantia Petrou]

Hi everyone,

My tenants just moved out after 3 years of renting our single family home. It was made very clear to them in their move out letter and during the preliminary walk through that they were to clean the house thoroughly, including all appliances, bathrooms, floors and windows (it is also stated in the lease). In other words they need to return the house at the level of cleanliness they received it (we provided it spotless). They have not. They did not even sweep the floors, the appliances which they received brand new are now filthy, shower has growth from moisture and the windows are dusty with dead flies on window seals. Based on our business policies, in cases such as this, I hire a professional crew to clean everything and pay out of their security deposit. However, these tenants did leave the house 10 days before the end of their lease (giving us some time to get it rent ready before we re-list) and they also did some nice work in the yard during their 3 years. I want to follow policy regardless and have the house cleaned out of their SD- it is my business. What do you think?

[Max T.]

Just move on with it.

Not worth the stress.