Security deposit disposition- carpet cleaning

[Natalie Hideg]

Hello, I’m a landlord in Minnesota. I’m about to turn tenants and I’ve scheduled my cleanings, maid service as well as carpet cleaning. My tenants have 2 cats. At one point in their 2 year tenancy my tenant was out of town and had their friend come to check on the cats. The tenant texted me to ask if I had anyone in the house (no) bc the door to where the cats litter box is was closed and they pooped all over the carpeted down stairs. (Probably your friend shut the door) Yuck. I’m getting the carpets cleaned at a discounted Groupon rate so the whole house is about $100, is it justifiable to pass the tenants the whole cost and not just the carpet where the cats pooped? I know the law states something like, security deposit is used for things for beyond reasonable wear and tear. What do you think about cleaning fees too? How do people generally pass on cleaning fees. Thanks everyone