Can an apartment complex charge you for move-out cleaning a year after you leave?

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Can an apartment complex charge you for move-out cleaning a year after you leave?

I left the complex 15 months ago have not received any communication in that time period and am now being contacted by a collection agency for move-out cleaning charges. Aren’t they required to advice you of charges within 30 days? They had my forwarding address and several other means of communication.

Asked on March 24, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Ohio

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Your former apartment complex can try and charge you for move out cleaning a year or so after you have actually moved out. However, given the long period of time from move out and the charge, I would be suspicious of any assessed charges.

If you do not believe that you owe any of the charges, you have every right to contest payment of them. Custom and practice in the rental industry is to send an invoice for the charges to the former tenant within 30 days or so of move out.


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