charging tenants for professional cleaners

[Alex Scotte]

I rented an apartment ages ago. When I finished my lease and left, the landlord deducted an amount for professional cleaners from the security deposit, although I did not leave the place excessively filthy. Now, I am on the other side as the landlord. Is it common practice 
deducted an amount for professional cleaners from the security deposit? Thanks in advance.

[Anna Sagatelova]

It really depends on your lease agreement. In any case "not excessively filthy" is not the standard most landlords use. Most apartment companies have very thorough leases and can even include that professional cleaning will be charged to tenant upon move-out. In some states/municipalities, that may be fine.

Your own practice should be predicated on your lease agreement. It is not common practice, in my market, unless the property was not "broom clean" when possession was returned to you. Professional cleaning during turnover is an expense that landlords are usually required to shoulder, and might be necessary even if the prior tenants thoroughly cleaned everything.

Common things that tenants miss while cleaning:

Leaving ANY (and I do mean any whatsoever) garbage or unwanted things behind. Even things like paper towels they used for cleaning, an empty trash can, etc.

Did not empty and wipe out all cupboards and cabinets

Did not clean appliances - this means taking shelves out of your fridge and washing them, scrubbing the stove top clean, cleaning the oven, cleaning inside the microwave, etc. Obviously only applicable if appliances were included in the apt. If appliances were not included and tenant left their own behind (even if they are clean), that can be a separate haul away charge

Did not clean backsplash

Did not clean bathroom - tub, toilet, etc.

Floors - not swept, mopped, vacuumed, etc.

Dead bugs and/or bug traps not removed and disposed of

Trash in yard - people forget that the yard is part of the property and also needs to be cleaned up. Toys, lawn accessories, garbage, etc. are constantly found.