Can I deduct cleaning expense from tenant's security deposit

[Jenny Nguyen]

My tenants moved out but didn't clean the house thoroughly, especially the kitchen, closets, door, light switches. The house was very clean when they move in and much more dirty when they move out. I asked them to clean before they move out but they left it dirty and said it looks clean. I have to hire professional cleaner to clean the whole house and wonder if I can deduct this expense from their security deposit?
Thanks for all your inputs.

[Kenneth Estes]

Jenny, in general the answer to your question is yes.

That said you need to check a few things:
- Did you have the tenants sign a document detailing the status of the property when they first moved in?
- Do you have any photos of the property when they moved in?
- Does your lease contain language stipulating the tenant is on the hook for cleaning expenses?

Even if the answer to some of those questions are no, you can still deduct the expense from the deposit. However, if the tenant pushes back your case won't be as strong.