Re: cleaning fee or deposit - Landlord Forum thread 316153

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

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.

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