Security Deposit Deductions

[Andrew O.]

Good afternoon,

I recently purchased a 4plex that was fully occupied.  One of the tenants moved out who was month-to-month that didn't have a lease from the previous owner (he was a family friend just living there).  He only gave a 20 days notice and the house was somewhat clean after moveout.  There was quite a bit of cat hair, dust everywhere, and the bathtub is disgusting.  I don't know the condition of what the unit looked like prior to him moving in.  Should I still deduct a small cleaning fee, or just eat the cost?  I was probably going to charge $100.  He also didn't give a full 30 days notice, I'm not going to take his full deposit, but because he didn't give 30 days would that forfeit his right to the security deposit if he tried to fight the cleaning fee?

Thank you!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Andrew O.:

Follow the lease and the law.

If he is responsible for 30 days notice, then charge him for the additional days. If he didn't clean, then charge him for cleaning. 

Dirt and filth is not "ordinary wear-and-tear" in any State. He is responsible for cleaning it and he failed to do so. Charge him for the cleaning.