Cleaning Charges & Paint

[Sofiya Cherni]

Do you hire someone to clean your properties and then bill the tenant or do you write if off as an expense? My state says property must be left in "broom clean" condition which does not equate to clean. I sent a list of what needs to be cleaned (by room) and common deposit deductions so that they're aware of how much things cost if they don't clean well themselves. Can you clean yourself and bill the tenant or write off as expense? I have 3 years of cleaning experience but I'm thinking of paying someone to do it depending on the cost. What should I expect to pay for a 1400 square foot home? Can you bill the tenant to clean the stove that is encrusted with food/oil everywhere? What if ceiling fans have an inch of dust on them? 

The last time I saw the kitchen there were oil or food stains all over the walls. It would probably need cleaning and repainting, can that be billed to the tenant? The walls are scuffed badly all over the place, not just a scuff here or there so I'm not sure if I can charge them for repainting. One wall has a hole in it from a door knob because they do everything with brute force, can I charge them to fix and repaint that whole wall if they don't fix it themselves? There's some ceiling water damage that will eat up most of their deposit as I only collected half months rent.

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

@Sofiya Cherni we do a prior to move in video with the tenant to see the property condition at that time. Then we do a move out video when their stuff is out but they are present if possible. That pretty much resolves any potential dispute.

You can clean yourself and write it off but don't go overboard. A 1400 sq ft home is likely 300 dollars. 

Repainting can be billed but it has to be abuse and not normal wear and tear. Water damage if the tenant's fault you can charge them. 

You can easily chew up a whole deposit if the tenant has been at all rough with the property.

I would suggest get a deposit equal to a month's rent going forward.

Most places require that the tenant get an itemized summary and the balance of their deposit within 14 days.