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Cleaning - Landlord Forum thread 349473

Cleaning by Monica (Il) on November 30, 2016 @11:46

                              
Can I charge for cleaning if I do it myself?
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Re: Cleaning by Anonymous on November 30, 2016 @13:57 [ Reply ]
Yes as long as it's with-in line with other's fee's.
Re: Cleaning by Stephen (WA - Washington State) on November 30, 2016 @17:15 [ Reply ]
Personally I see little reason to charge tenants for my time. The amount I receive from them for my labor is 100% taxable income for me. Yes, the tax rate is less than 100% so I would have a net income, but I don't see it as really worth the hassle especially the part about arguing with the tenant. Now, you can hire someone else to do the cleaning/repairs and pay them. The amount you pay them is 100% an expense you can claim (off-set by the amount of the deposit you withheld).

Examples:
Deposit was $500, you paid $300 for materials for repair and cleaning supplies and then figure $125 for your labor. You return $75 to the tenant. On your taxes you claim $300 for expenses (the amount you pay yourself is not an expense) and income of $425 (the amount you withheld from the tenant). That $125 difference is taxable income to you.

Deposit was $500, you paid $300 for materials for repair and cleaning supplies and then pay $125 to someone else to clean the house. You return $75 to the tenant. On your taxes you claim $425 for expenses ($300 materials plus $125 contracting a cleaner) and income of $425 (the amount you withheld from the tenant). It's a wash - no taxable income.

Deposit was $500, you paid $450 for materials for repair and cleaning supplies and then figure $125 for your labor. Your letter to the tenant says he's getting nothing back plus you want another $75. He never pays you. On your taxes you claim $450 for expenses (the amount you pay yourself is not an expense) and income of $500 (the amount withheld from the tenant). That $50 difference is taxable income to you.

Deposit was $500, you paid $450 for materials for repair and cleaning supplies and then pay $125 to someone to clean the house. Your letter to the tenant says he's getting nothing back plus you want another $75. He never pays you. On your taxes you claim $575 for expenses ($450 materials plus $125 contracting a cleaner) and income of $500 (the amount withheld from the tenant). That $75 difference is a loss to you and reduces your taxable income.
Re: Cleaning by Anonymous on December 1, 2016 @22:41 [ Reply ]
Texas LL. In my Texas J.P court district it is ok to charge the tenant reasonable labor charges for make ready as long as it is documented, date, time, hours spent, material used etc. I attended eviction court and spoke to the judge who said it was legal in Texas. My eviction attorney also concurred.

That being said, there are states in the US where this is not legal.

My labor is worth a reasonable amount per hour and that is what I charge the tenant for repairs/cleaning beyond normal wear and tear. For example my tenant placed his hot bar-b-que grille against the siding of the house and melted the siding. This is not normal wear and tear.

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