All Forum Posts by: Sydney Guzman

Also, if I were to charge a non-refundable pet deposit, when a tenant vacates, should I be taking any cleaning fees out of that first vs. the refundable deposit? Like if they had a $400 non-refundable pet deposit and carpet cleaning and regular cleaning cost $325, and their regular deposit was $1k, should they get back $1,025? Or would the amount back be different?

The non-refundable pet deposit sounds like a fee, so I would deduct cleaning fees from any regular deposit the tenant paid

If the language says "non-refundable deposit" could it be argued legally that this is not the same if the word "fee" is not actually in there?

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I have received differing advice from other landlords and was unsure, hence my question.

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Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

You can put anything you want in the lease and - as long as it's not forbidden by law - it should be enforceable. If you professionally clean the unit and steam clean the carpets prior to occupancy, then you can require the tenant to do the same after moving out.

Caution: make sure you have funds on hand to cover this when they forget or choose not to do it. If you have a $1,400 deposit, but it costs $400 to clean carpets and $300 to clean the house, that only leaves $700 to cover unpaid rent, repairs, or other expenses.

If I did not do any of those things prior to the tenant moving in though...?

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In Pennsylvania, can I legally put a clause in the lease agreement requiring the tenant(s) to professionally clean the unit and steam clean the carpets before vacating, regardless of condition, as part of the lease? I am having trouble finding the laws online of what can lawfully be included in a lease in terms of tenant obligation.

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All Forum Posts by: Sydney Guzman

Sydney Guzman has started 1 posts and replied 4 times.

Post: Can I require a tenant to professionally clean/steam clean (PA)?

Post: Can I require a tenant to professionally clean/steam clean (PA)?

Post: Can I require a tenant to professionally clean/steam clean (PA)?

Post: Can I require a tenant to professionally clean/steam clean (PA)?