What is the “reasonable” amount to charge to clean a property that my tenant moved out of?
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What is the “reasonable” amount to charge to clean a property that my tenant moved out of?
They clearly didn’t clean while the lived there. There were over 130 holes left in the walls inside pet stains on the carpet and tile excessive dust, etc. I want to deduct from their security deposit and at this point ask for more to cover my costs. They also broke their lease.
Asked on September 4, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You don't charge a "reasonable" amount--you charge the actual out-of-pocket costs (i.e. not for your own time, or the time of any employees of yours; rather, for vendors, contractors, materials, etc.) required to fix anything which exceeds normal wear and tear. Numerous holes in walls exceeds normal wear and tear; pet stains on carpet exceed normal wear and tear; etc. Find the actual cost to correct these issues--that's what you can charge.
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