Moving out of a rental can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to expect—or what it might end up costing you. From the final inspection to the cleaning requirements, there’s a lot to think about. But, at the end of the day, can a landlord charge a cleaning fee after you move out?
In this guide, we’ll break down the move-out process, explain what’s considered normal wear and tear, and give you tips on how to avoid disputes over cleaning fees. Keep reading to make sure you’re fully prepared and avoid any unwanted surprises!
Main Takeaways
- Yes, a landlord can charge a cleaning fee after you move out–with asterisks. They can only give you a cleaning fee if your lease agreement (and local laws) allows for it. If not, they cannot push it on you. Also, they can only apply a cleaning fee to any cleaning beyond taking care of normal wear and tear. Otherwise, they shouldn’t use it on basic tasks like dusting and sweeping.
How the Move-Out Process Works
When you move out of a rental property, understanding how the process works can save you immeasurable time and stress. According to some of the most reliable and efficient property management companies in Northern Virginia, there’s a clear procedure you should follow.
First, you’ll need to notify your landlord or property management about your move-out date, in line with your lease agreement’s stipulated notice period. Then, before you leave, both you and your landlord will typically schedule a move-out inspection.
Generally, this inspection involves the following activities:
- Checking the Property’s Condition: The landlord will inspect the place to see if it’s clean, well-maintained, and free of any damage that needs fixing.
- Returning Keys and Access Items: You’ll need to hand back all keys, garage remotes, and access cards as part of wrapping up your move.
- Discussing any charges: If the property requires any damage or extra cleaning, the landlord may bring up these charges during this stage of the inspection.
Can a Landlord Charge a Cleaning Fee After You Move Out?
Yes, a landlord can charge a cleaning fee after you move out–with asterisks.
Landlords can only give you a cleaning fee if your lease agreement (and local laws) allows for it. If not, they cannot push it on you. Also, they can only apply a cleaning fee to any cleaning beyond taking care of normal wear and tear. Otherwise, they shouldn’t use it on basic tasks like dusting and sweeping.
To avoid disputes from happening, you should thoroughly clean the property before moving out to your lease agreement’s standards. This is a nuisance now, but it can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
What is Considered Normal Wear and Tear?
When you’re moving out, you might worry about losing your security deposit or incurring fees because of damages. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s considered normal wear and tear in the first place. Normal wear and tear refer to the expected deterioration of the property over time due to regular use. This includes minor issues such as:
- Slightly worn carpets or flooring
- Faded paint
- Minor scuff marks on walls
- Loose door handles or window locks that are a result of general use
- Worn or loose door hinges
- Small nail holes in the walls
- Warping of doors and windows
If a landlord tries to charge you for things that are deemed wear and tear, you may have grounds to challenge the fees. On the other hand, if you cause damage from neglecting or misusing the property (e.g., stained carpets, broken windows, or holes in the walls), that’s not considered normal wear and tear. As such, the landlord may have justification to charge you for repairs.
Can a Cleaning Fee Be Deducted from the Security Deposit?
Yes, a landlord can take a cleaning fee from your security deposit, but only under certain conditions. If you handle the cleaning yourself and leave the place in good shape, you should get your full deposit back.
That said, if you don’t get your security deposit back, the landlord has to justify the charge by proving that the cleaning needed goes beyond normal use. Your lease agreement should clearly outline what they can deduct from their security deposit. After all, if you and your landlord have agreed upon a certain level of cleaning during the inspection, this can also impact the deductions. For example, if the landlord says the apartment just needs to be “broom clean,” but later tries to charge you for deep cleaning, you may have grounds to dispute the charge. Conversely, if you agree to leave it spotless but don’t, deductions may be justified.
Moreover, your landlord should provide proof of cleaning costs (e.g., invoices or receipts). They need to do this to justify any deductions they make.
How to Avoid Disputes Over Cleaning Fees
If your lease doesn’t spell out who’s responsible for what, you might end up in a frustrating back-and-forth with your landlord. So, how do you avoid the hassle? Here’s what can help:
Document Everything: Receipts won’t save you here—photos and videos will. So, take pictures when you move in and again when you move out. This way, if a dispute comes up, you’ve got proof of the property’s condition. No one can claim you left a mess that wasn’t actually there.
Request a Walkthrough: Whenever possible, schedule a final walkthrough with your landlord. This gives you the chance to address any concerns about cleanliness or damages before finalizing your move-out. Hopefully, you can look at any issues directly together, get on the same page about them, and get ahead of any problems that could happen.
Clean Thoroughly: As we mentioned earlier, the best way to secure your security deposit is to leave the place clean. To do this, pay extra attention to kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and floors—these are the first places landlords typically check for. Also, if the place needs deep cleaning, hiring pros might be worth it to avoid surprise deductions.
Challenge Unfair Fees: If you believe a cleaning fee is unreasonable or you’ve been unfairly charged for normal wear and tear, request a detailed breakdown of the costs and receipts. This way, you can see where you got where you are and determine how you should proceed further.
Better Move-Outs, More Transparent Leases—Rent with Confidence with BMG!
Yes, a landlord can charge a cleaning fee after you move out, in certain cases. They can only give you a cleaning fee if your lease agreement (and local laws) allows for it. If not, they cannot push it on you. Also, they can only apply a cleaning fee to any cleaning beyond taking care of normal wear and tear. Otherwise, they shouldn’t use it on basic tasks like dusting and sweeping.
At Bay Property Management Group, we keep the rental process simple and transparent—no hidden surprises. We make sure our tenants get lease agreements that work for them, with terms they can fully understand. Furthermore, we take care of maintenance and repairs promptly, so your rental experience has less interruptions. Looking for a simpler rental journey? Get in touch with us or look at our listings today!
