Can I charge tenant painting of very dirty walls after move out

[Constantia Petrou]

Hello,

I am in California and my tenant is moving out after almost 4 years of renting from me. The lower part of the walls in the kitchen, living room and hallway have essentially turned dark grey from filth and debris is stuck on them. Other tenants who have moved out in the past have not left the property in this condition- so this tenant has not been taking the best care of the house cleanliness-wise. When the tenant moved-in, he received the property, professionally clean and freshly painted. My lease clearly states that they have to return the property thoroughly and professionally cleaned, the same way in which they received it. I will ask them to wash the walls before they move out but I doubt all the filth will come off. Can I charge them for at least a portion of repainting the walls and how much?

Thanks for your feedback!

[Rick Wade]

I would look into your local laws. Where I live, you cannot charge for things like paint on a long term rental. 

You made 4 years of rent off of them, get 5 gallons of paint for $70 at HD and pay a handyman a couple of hundred to paint. Simple.

Rick