Cleaning out a rental- what's fair?

[AroundTheBlock]

Anonymous wrote:

AroundTheBlock wrote:Rule of thumb is when a tenant moves out the property is in the same condition as when they moved in. While some wear and tear is expected, the overall condition of the space should not require repairs. If repairs are needed (carpet cleaning, wall repairs, etc) that amount comes out of their security deposit.

Right, but we're not talking repairs here, no one disputes that. Cleaning between the grout and polishing floors? C'mon now. If that level is expected it should be stated upfront in the lease.

This is exactly why leases are important. Unfortunately, most tenants and landlords don't take leases seriously and assume they can write one on their own or not even have one. Our residential lease is 27 pages long. Our commercial lease is 37 pages. This does not includes exhibits, addendum, etc. If there is an issue without the tenant/landlord, either party must be able to go and review the lease to resolve the issue.

This is a lesson most tenants and non-professional landlords end up learning on a daily basis.

[Anonymous]

AroundTheBlock wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

AroundTheBlock wrote:Rule of thumb is when a tenant moves out the property is in the same condition as when they moved in. While some wear and tear is expected, the overall condition of the space should not require repairs. If repairs are needed (carpet cleaning, wall repairs, etc) that amount comes out of their security deposit.

Right, but we're not talking repairs here, no one disputes that. Cleaning between the grout and polishing floors? C'mon now. If that level is expected it should be stated upfront in the lease.

This is exactly why leases are important. Unfortunately, most tenants and landlords don't take leases seriously and assume they can write one on their own or not even have one. Our residential lease is 27 pages long. Our commercial lease is 37 pages. This does not includes exhibits, addendum, etc. If there is an issue without the tenant/landlord, either party must be able to go and review the lease to resolve the issue.

This is a lesson most tenants and non-professional landlords end up learning on a daily basis.

"Carpet cleaning" is not a "repair." We're landlords, too, and even if the carpets looks super clean, I would never rent to new tenants without washing them first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought "broom clean" was the standard.

+1 But, obviously, OP, it should be stated in the lease you wrote (or at least reviewed, edited) and had signed.

[Anonymous]

OP You seem like a jerk.

[Anonymous]

Normal wear and tear is law in DC. I clean my tenant property only as good as necessary to get the next tenants. I do it myself, basically wall smudges, cobwebs, Resolve the carpet stains, mopping and bleach the grout. Doesn't take more than an hour.

[Anonymous]

We are tenants in MD and our lease specifically states that we must have the carpets cleaned and we must provide the receipt to the landlord. We were in a previous rental in MD and had to do the same thing so I don't think it is uncommon. I would not do though if it was not stated in our lease.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure what is realistic/fair to expect from tenants who will be moving out. For instance, I would like the wood floors cleaned and polished, and the carpets shampooed. Other things like windows cleaned and free of bugs, etc. Can I give them a list of things I expect? Alternatively I've offered to hire a cleaning service and subtract the fee from their deposit, but they are cheap so I suspect they'll want to do it themselves.

I don't think it's the renters who are cheap.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure what is realistic/fair to expect from tenants who will be moving out. For instance, I would like the wood floors cleaned and polished, and the carpets shampooed. Other things like windows cleaned and free of bugs, etc. Can I give them a list of things I expect? Alternatively I've offered to hire a cleaning service and subtract the fee from their deposit, but they are cheap so I suspect they'll want to do it themselves.

Realistic is what is specified in their contract. Anything else is up to them. I would expect to find the place empty of their stuff though, and relatively clean (no spots, dust balls, etc).

[Anonymous]

OP here. Obviously I take more pride in my property than some of y'all. It was sparkling clean when they moved in and is like it the same way when they move out. Leave it as you found it. But next time I'll list that specifically in the lease because I think the broom clean standard is not enough! Had no idea that was the norm. Shivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Obviously I take more pride in my property than some of y'all. It was sparkling clean when they moved in and is like it the same way when they move out. Leave it as you found it. But next time I'll list that specifically in the lease because I think the broom clean standard is not enough! Had no idea that was the norm. Shivers.

Please just sell your unit. You are not cut out to be a landlord. Its not pride in your unit - its an unreasonable adherence to cleanliness outside of industry standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Obviously I take more pride in my property than some of y'all. It was sparkling clean when they moved in and is like it the same way when they move out. Leave it as you found it. But next time I'll list that specifically in the lease because I think the broom clean standard is not enough! Had no idea that was the norm. Shivers.

Please just sell your unit. You are not cut out to be a landlord. Its not pride in your unit - its an unreasonable adherence to cleanliness outside of industry standards.

(And I'm a landlord. *SHIVERS*)

[Anonymous]

Yes OP, it is YOUR property, which is why YOu are responsible for the in-depth upkeep. If renters really wanted to deal with the finer points of grout cleaning, they'd own property.

[Anonymous]

I'm a property manager for several properties and I would never expect my tenants moving out to polish floors and steam clean carpets! Broom clean is the standard and something you simply have to accept. It's true that some people will leave the property less clean than I would like, but that is the risk you take when you have an investment. I have only taken money from a security deposit once due to the condition of a property, but that was an extreme situation.

You need to develop some reasonable expectations from tenants if you are going to be a successful landlord. If you are going to expect these types of conditions when a tenant moves out then you need to review your lease to make sure it is included AND make sure that it is clearly stated and understood prior to them signing the lease. To try and set these conditions after they have signed the lease and are getting ready to move out makes you come across as less than honest and more than a little sleazy.

You state that you take a lot of pride in your property which is great; however, you should take just as much pride in your business practices also.