cleaning fee or deposit - Landlord Forum thread 316148

cleaning fee or deposit by Robert on March 15, 2014 @19:34

When it comes to the cleaning fee in Michigan, is it best to charge this fee upfront as a non refundable charge in addition to the month and 1/2 rent for the security deposit?

What is a typical amount for the cleaning fee?
Is it a good idea to tell the tenant the cleaning fee may be returned if the rental was cared for?

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Re: cleaning fee or deposit by Anonymous on March 15, 2014 @20:29	[ Reply ]

I don't know michigan law. But as a tenant, if I knew I would be charged a cleaning fee regardless, I wouldn't bother to clean much before leaving.

Re: cleaning fee or deposit by Garry (Iowa) on March 15, 2014 @20:35	[ Reply ]

Either charge a DEPOSIT equal to 1+1/2 months rent, or 2 months rent, if you can get it, and if your state will allow it. If you collect a "cleaning fee" up front that is non-refundable, you have just told the future tenant to leave your place as dirty as they want when they move out, because they have already paid you to clean up after them. And if they have that mindset,your "cleaning fee" you collected won't be NEARLY enough. Its better for them to know they have the possibility of getting their deposit back if they leave it clean with no damages or unpaid rent. By definition, that's what a deposit is------an amount to be returned if the item ( car , rental property, etc. ) is returned in good condition.

Re: cleaning fee or deposit by Bill on March 15, 2014 @20:44	[ Reply ]

When you charge a cleaning fee at the beginning of the lease you are inviting the tenant to leave the place as dirty as they can possibly stand. Most have a high threshold for grime and filth. You wonder if you should "tell the tenant the cleaning fee may be returned if the rental was cared for." The tenant will fill this statement with his own meaning. Well cared for is so nonspecific as to be meaningless. Get ready for a real debate about what well cared for actually means...to them. Why not charge a full month's rent for the deposit? Have a checkout list of what you want cleaned and to what level. List if all out. If you want the floors vacuumed, swept or mopped, say so. Describe the tub cleaning as to have no ring and the toilet without stain or ring. No mildew in the shower and the mirror cleaned with windex. Especially be specific about the stove. No only must the oven be clean but the top must be lifted and cleaned plus replacing all liners and drip pans. If you do not provide detail to every single task, it will not get done. Beside each item provide the cost if you have to do it. Tubs, toilets, stoves and the refrigerator cleaning will come at a premium. Explain to the tenants that they can not to wait until the move out day to clean because it will take a couple of days. This way there is not surprises about what "well cared for" means and what it will cost to neglect the cleaning.

Re: cleaning fee or deposit by Anonymous on March 15, 2014 @20:46	[ Reply ]

I see pro and con's to both. I like cleaning fee because its one stop no hassle with interest etc. As already noted, the problem with the cleaning fee is that you set it to the average tenant. What happens when you get someone who reveals to be more destructive than indicators suggest? You might, in this instance, loose money and sol. if you do a cleaning fee make sure you have a back up in your lease for over the top damage.

Re: cleaning fee or deposit by Anonymous on March 15, 2014 @20:49	[ Reply ]

Yes cleaning fees are usually non-refundable and CAN be separate from the deposit. You need to read the lease. Usually cleaning fee's are not returned.

Re: cleaning fee or deposit by Bev (Michigan) on September 5, 2017 @18:07	[ Reply ]

A Cleaning fee is allowed in Michigan, but it has to be Non refundable. You cannot use the damage deposit for cleaning. It is not allowed by Michigan law. When in doubt go to the government website, so you are not breaking any laws.