Can I deduct my cleaning time from deposit in MN?

Question

I had a tenant move out and had to shampoo the carpet 4 times with lots of Odoban to get the smell out. I also had to spend hours scrubbing food off the front and inside of the cabinets, and under the fridge and stove, among other things. I do all of my work myself.

Can I deduct my hours from her deposit in MN? What hourly rate do you charge for cleaning?

Thanks!

Can I deduct my hours from her deposit in MN? What hourly rate do you charge for cleaning?

Thanks!

Jennifer Rysdam · Answer

Thanks for the information. The lease states that they are required to provide a receipt for a professional cleaning on the carpet, which never happens. It also states that they are to leave the apartment in the condition they found it, minus reasonable wear and tear. When I got her move out date I sent her the move-out instructions that listed everything that needed to be done and my rate of $25 per hour to do it for her, but she didn't follow it. She didn't schedule an inspection with me and didn't even leave a forwarding address. She actually didn't even leave the key and left drawers and cabinets in the kitchen full of stuff. I had to text her to come back the next day and get her stuff and leave the keys. She took some of it and left the keys. I had left the stove and fridge pulled out so she could see the mess under them when she was there doing that, but she obviously didn't decide to clean it up while she was there.

It's amazing how much mess a single woman, who dresses to the nines outside of her apartment, can make. Everything she owned was either on the floor, her bed, or the counters. Looked like a bomb had gone off in there, and she knew we were coming to inspect. She even had dirty underwear on the floor! I won't even get started on the cat hair and smell! I'm glad I ended her lease.

Thanks again :)

Deanna McCormick · Answer

I have a move in / move out check sheet it lists price to clean anything that hasn't been done at a flat price so tenant knows at move in what they will be charged at move out for cleaning,, the carpet is your cost unless you have it written in tenant that tenant will. I don't charge by hour.  In a property I managed we cleaned carpets for tenants every year and this kept that issue under control.

Pay a family member if you can't pay yourself for cleaning and have them submit to you a statement for cleaning.

I charged 50.00 to 125.00 to clean a stove.. bathtub 30 to 45, fridge 35 to 45, floors per room sweep and wash 15.00  per window and tracks 15.00 light bulbs replace 3.00 each. blinds 15.00 to 35.00 each to replace. Debris removal by item couch, 45.00 mattress 35.00 box spring 35.00

Shaun C. · Answer

I was told by my lawyer in MI that it's not a good idea to try an deduct from the SD for cleaning charges and go to court so here is what I do instead. I have in the lease that I charge a $200 cleaning fee at lease termination. I tell them that as long as the apt is in the condition I gave it to them in, that I don't have to come in and clean, and that they were respectful during their tenancy, I will not charge this fee.

Thomas S. · Answer

It depends on your state landlord tenant codes. Most will not allow any compensation for landlord time. It is always best to hire contractors to do all repair work to insure being able to deduct from tenants deposits.

Doubtful you will be entitled to compensation for your time.

Jessie Huffey · Answer

Yes, you can- in California I was able to deduct $25 per hour for cleaning, but check on Michigan laws before you deduct.

Marky Walberg · Answer

Im not 100% on whether you can deduct your time but you can at least deduct alot of cost incurred doing this work like gas, cleaning supplies, rags/whatever else you used to clean, vacuum and I would think of adding all those little things that are to easy to throw on when giving back security deposit back to make up for your time and expenses.