App Cleaner

Can landlord charge leaving resident for regular carpet cleaning?

My friend is moving out. Landlord sent him a paper saying thatmyfriend has to leave carpet steamed or landlord will withhold $140 from a deposit. My friend had a lease that doesn't mention cleaning at all. Is this legal for landlord withhold money for steaming? Can my friend sue in small claims court if landlord actually withholds the money? How likely is to win this? PS: I myself moved many times and never particularly steamed after I left and always got my deposit in full.

Public Comments

1. your friend has to decide how important it is to battle over $140. in court, a LL CAN say, I have to clean these units and I don't charge a cleaning fee when they move in. I would say that the LL is screwed. HE can't come in after the fact. He needs to alter his lease. I have not ever ever heard of a LL not having two charges when leasing; cleaning fee deposit and security deposit. if the unit is really clean and the tenant is out when he should be, both deposits are returned in full.
2. The landlord can only charge for anything above normal wear and tear. If the carpet is dirty, your friend is liable. The charge is reasonable. . .you should expect to leave the apartment as you found it less normal wear and tear. . .not dirt.
3. this should be in the lease. If it's not, he should have to do it. Sure they can sue. Anyone can sue. The question is, will they win and at what cost.
4. Yes, the landlord is within his rights to deduct the $140.00 from his deposit for the cleaning. But if I was your friend I would rent a steamer and do it himself. But yes, that is what a damage deposit is all about, if the place is not cleaned, then money is withheld.
5. Everyone here seems to believe that just because some clause is in the lease and you sign it, that it makes it legally binding. WRONG!!!! In MOST states, a landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear...that is routine painting, carpet cleaning, redecorating fee, maintenance fee...whatever they flipping want to call it..most states bar these expenses....it falls under the cost of doing business. Tell your friend to take him to court and sue THREE TIMES the amount of the deposit. Yes, you read that right...states are cracking down on this practice from LL, and that is the damages a tenant is entitled to if money is kept and shouldn't be.