Cleaning Fee for a long term rental (1 year lease)

Member since 2022 · 119 posts · 52 votes

I am curious if people charge deep cleaning fees when a tenant moves out. I had the property deep cleaned when they moved in and the property is very dirty from the inside now.

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Theresa HarrisPro Member

Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes

If the house isn't clean, then charge them for it. Hire a professional to come in clean it.

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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
3y
If the house isn't clean, then charge them for it. Hire a professional to come in clean it.
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Amby Bhagtani
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Member since 2022 · 119 posts · 52 votes
3y
Quote from @Theresa Harris:

If the house isn't clean, then charge them for it. Hire a professional to come in clean it.

I don't have detailed pics though, will that be a problem?
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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
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Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
3y
@Amby Bhagtani
Yes not having pics will be a huge problem. There is no proof so if they contested it - it’s your obligation to prove it needed to be done
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Amby Bhagtani:

Quote from @Theresa Harris:

If the house isn't clean, then charge them for it. Hire a professional to come in clean it.

I don't have detailed pics though, will that be a problem?

Do you have the photos from when they moved out? Do you have any photos from when it was listed for rent? If it is really dirty, then it may not be a problem.
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Kevin Sobilo
Realtor · Hanover Twp, PA · Member since 2018 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y
@Amby Bhagtani for a typical B or C class rental I would not charge a general cleaning fee. In fact, I only expect the unit to be provided "broom clean" not deep cleaned and ready to rent out again.
For most tenants moving out, its a difficult and expensive proposition to move. So, I try to keep my expectations in alignment with that. Also, if buying a house locally, the general expectation is "broom clean". So, my policy aligns with how these houses turnover when bought/sold as well.
That said, if a tenant has a pet, I do charge them a modest $50 pet cleaning fee up front at lease signing because I expect additional cleaning at the end.
If the unit is excessively dirty where there are disposal costs for garbage/debris or very visible dirt/grime/grease then I may charge against their security deposit for the extra cleaning.
Another reason I only require "broom clean" is that things may appear clean without actually being clean! So, even if a place looks clean, I will clean it before a new tenant moves in so that I can guarantee it was clean to start. So, beyond broom clean nothing is saved for me because it will be cleaned again anyways.
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Mackaylee BeachPro Member
Real Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 492 votes
3y
Most Definity!
I always take move in pictures and make sure to include in my lease that the property is required to be return in the conditions it was received in.
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