Security Deposit Return

[Matthew Mello]

So I just had my tenant move out after approximately three years. All in all the damage was very minimal and most of it just needed fresh paint or cleaning. Aside for some of the structural damage done, the oven was absolutely filthy. Completely covered in grease and took a good two hours to get it to look like a normal oven. My question for everyone is how much if any would/could be deducted from the security deposit due to the lack of cleanliness to the oven and the time and energy it took to prepare it for the new tenant. For background, this property is in Rhode Island.

[Adam Martin]

This is a tough one and your location will play a role but not familiar with your state.  Generally if there is money in the deposit I hire a cleaning company to clean it and deduct what I paid them from the deposit.  They will give you a receipt and you can use it to show your actual out of pocket expenses.  I have told by many on this site this may not hold up in court but I do have written in my lease that for damages I can bill 45/hour of my time.  Seems expensive but so are handymen and cleaning services and added it after tenants left the place completely untouched including a skid mark on the toilet seat.  If you are out any materials I’d charge for that but it is a tossup on your time if it isn’t spelled out in the lease.  If they are getting most back and you keep it reasonable I doubt they will complain.  The trick is keep it low enough it isn’t worth challenging in court so stay reasonable.