Taking cleaning cost out of deposit

[John N.]

It's past its 30 day mark, but something I want to know when I become a landlord in the future.

I rented an apartment, then moved out. Rent was paid 2 or 3 days before it was ever due for 2 years straight. I feel I was the perfect tenant.

The management office asked for money to have the carpets cleaned, which I wrote a check. Then when I received my deposit with the letter of deductions I noticed that they subtracted it again plus another $10 for normal cleaning.

I read a blog that was written in '07 that cleaning cost can't be deducted from the deposit, only repairs. Is this right?

I can understand the company that owns the apartment building wanting the money for cleaning the carpets but I think the management company is double dipping and asking for money to clean the carpets.

What are your thoughts on this?