As a landlord, you want your rental units to stay in the best possible condition. While you hope each tenant has the same priorities, this isn't always true. In some cases, you'll need to hire a tenant cleaning service to restore your unit to its original condition after a resident has moved out. This guide will break down when it is legal to use a tenant's security deposit to cover these costs.  

When Can You Deduct Cleaning Fees From a Security Deposit?

After a tenant ends their lease and moves out, you'll need to prepare the unit for the following tenant. If your tenant left the apartment in worse condition than it was in when they moved in, you can usually use their security deposit to pay for tenant cleaning services. However, this only applies if the damage and filth is beyond average wear and tear.

What Counts as Damage or Filth?

Only damages categorized as damage or filth can be covered by the tenant’s security deposit. The issues that may count include sticky or grimy surfaces, mirrors covered in makeup, holes in the wall, blocked toilets, carpet stains, excessive mildew or mold, and water damage from plants. These problems and similar situations are often preventable and caused by tenants neglecting to clean. A tenant cleaning service can thoroughly clean the unit and restore it to its original state. 

What Counts as Wear & Tear?

While it’s often evident when damage or filth is your tenant’s fault, it’s important to recognize which issues result from general wear and tear. This can include worn out carpets, faded or peeling paint, warped cabinets, old and broken appliances, stains on an old porcelain bathtub, and exterior damage. It’s your responsibility as a landlord to maintain the condition of the unit, so you’ll need to pay to make these fixes between tenants. Otherwise, the poor condition of the unit may deter potential tenants.

Apartment cleaning is an important part of getting a space ready for a new tenant, and failing to do this can result in bad reviews. If you’re in need of tenant cleaning services for your apartment complex or other rental unit, call the team at Compass Cleaning Solutions. Located in Tempe, AZ, these professionals offer comprehensive cleaning services around the Phoenix area. To view a full list of their services, visit them online. If you’re ready to schedule their services today, call (602) 606-7900.