What do you charge for cleaning fees when tenants move out?

Question

Hey everyone,

I was curious if anyone had a list of what they charge for cleaning fees when a tenant moves out? Do you have an itemized list if a tenant moves out and leaves things dirty such as?

Stove - $50

Fridge - $75

Etc

Maybe you all just hire a cleaning person instead and let that make the determination? I have heard of landlords having itemized lists, and am looking to include a list in my lease for move out. I am slowly accumulating units, and feel this would be ideal for the future. Thank you for any insight or even a list you may be able to provide. If anyone is kind enough to send something like that over that would very helpful.

Thanks for any help in whatever manner you can!

Ben

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I have a list, but it's only an estimate. Cleaning an oven sometimes takes 15 minutes and other times takes an hour. A light bulb costs $1.50 but some cost $10.

If you connect and PM me, I can share my list for you to use as a template.

Sylvia B. · Answer

Yes, I have a list, but most items are a range or minimum charge. Blinds, for example, range from $15 to $100, depending on window size and blind quality. Keys are $5/ea and garage door remotes are $50/ea. I charge $10 each if I have to replace the burner pans in a coil top stove. They can buy all 4 at Walmart for $10 and do it themselves, which is what I prefer.

Many damage charges cannot be included in a list, however. The charge for ruined floor covering, for example, depends on the size of the room and type (carpet, vinyl, tile, wood). I give them a list mainly to motivate them to return the unit in the same condition as when they moved in (or close).

JD Martin · Answer

These days we mostly encourage tenants to just leave the property reasonably clean and expect to pay our cleaners, who are reasonable and thorough, because it is a rare tenant that can clean the house to professional standards that we deliver the house to them. People are moving and they are never going to get everything. We give them a move-out cleaning checklist, and I would estimate 90%+ either don't look at it or don't care and will end up getting the cleaning bill anyway. No one ever cleans: tops of moldings, blinds, tops of ceiling fans, baseboards, tops of kitchen cabinets, backs of refrigerators, etc. yet we check all of these items. You would be surprised what tenants consider "clean".

We don't itemize cleaning lists because it's up to the cleaners. We have several that we use and they're all honest and thorough, and we've already done a post-tenancy inspection of everything so we know what needs to be cleaned.

Henry T. · Answer

I have a list of what I expect to be tended to. If those things are not done, a cleaner will be hired at $50/hr to do it.  Personally, If the tenant made good efforts, and I can finish cleaning to my standard in one day, and damage is minimal, I will give a full refund.  If the person is a slob and made no effort to clean,  I call in a cleaner and tell them to go for it and be ready for a white glove test, I dont care how long it takes.

What do you charge for cleaning fees when tenants move out?

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