Tenant move-outs: Cleaning and security deposit deductions.

• Author: Feng, Judy

Your lease is expiring in one week and you have already given notice to your landlord that you are moving out. You think that everything looks clean but you are just not sure whether you should stay up until 2:00 a.m. to scrub the place down before you leave. You may also be wondering whether your landlord can make deductions from your security deposit and charge you for cleaning ...so, what are the rules for cleaning and security deposit deductions anyway?

First of all, a landlord cannot make any deductions from a security deposit for damages resulting from normal wear and tear of the premises. Normal wear and tear means the declining condition of the rental premises that occurs over time, even though the tenant has been regularly cleaning and maintaining the premises. For example, having mild scratches on a kitchen work surface is probably normal wear and tear. On the other hand, having food and dirt on your walls, cupboards and appliances is damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Secondly, a landlord can make deductions from a security deposit if there are damages beyond normal wear and tear on the premises (assuming that the landlord did a proper move-in and move-out inspection). For example, a landlord could make deductions from your security deposit to cover the costs of cleaning up food and dirt on your walls, but not for mild scratches on the kitchen work surface.

One common dispute between landlords and tenants is carpet cleaning. If you left obvious stains and dirt on the carpet while living there, then it could be considered damages beyond normal wear and tear and the landlord could deduct carpet cleaning costs from your security deposit. However, if you left the carpet clean with only signs of normal wear and tear, then the landlord could not charge you for cleaning it.

In order to avoid difficulties when it comes to cleaning and security deposit deductions when you move out, here are some tips:

* You have an obligation under the law to keep the premises in a reasonably clean condition. It would be prudent for you as a tenant to regularly clean and maintain your rental premises.

* Clarify expectations with your landlord in writing about what will be required in terms of cleaning when you move out. It is a good idea to do this when you first move in or well ahead of moving out.

* If you have a pet, it is a good idea to take extra precautions in cleaning the property. For example, if you have a dog, make sure that you clean up any...