Can a Landlord Charge for Professional Cleaning?
Cleaning charges are among the most disputed security deposit deductions — and also some of the most invalid. Landlords routinely charge hundreds of dollars for routine cleaning that they are not legally entitled to deduct. Here's when they can and can't.
The Legal Standard
Tenants are required to return a rental unit in "broom clean" condition — reasonably clean, not spotless. Landlords can only charge for cleaning that goes beyond what was needed to bring the unit from broom-clean to move-in condition. Routine cleaning after a normal tenancy is not a valid deduction.
What Cleaning Is Chargeable — and What Isn't
Not Chargeable
Potentially Chargeable
State-Specific Rules on Cleaning Charges
California
California Civil Code § 1950.5 explicitly prohibits mandatory cleaning clauses. Landlords can only charge for cleaning if the unit is left dirtier than move-in condition. Lease clauses requiring professional carpet cleaning are generally unenforceable.
Most Other States
The "broom clean" standard applies. If your lease has a mandatory cleaning clause, check whether your state enforces such clauses. In many states, a clause requiring professional cleaning regardless of condition is considered unenforceable as a punitive penalty.
Lease Clauses
If your lease specifically requires professional cleaning upon move-out and your state enforces such clauses, you may be responsible even if the unit doesn't need it. However, the charge must still be reasonable — not an inflated rate to profit from your deposit.
Got a cleaning charge on your itemization?
Check whether your specific cleaning deduction is valid — and what your options are.
Check Your Deductions →How to Fight an Unfair Cleaning Charge
Compare move-in vs. move-out condition
The landlord can only charge if you left the unit dirtier than you found it. If you have move-in photos showing comparable condition, you have a strong defense.
Request receipts for the cleaning
Landlords must provide documentation of actual cleaning costs. If they can't produce an invoice from a cleaning service, the charge is questionable.
Check your state's rules on cleaning clauses
If you're in California, the cleaning clause in your lease may be unenforceable. In other states, mandatory cleaning clauses may or may not be valid.
Send a written dispute
Use our demand letter to formally contest the charge. Many landlords back down when they realize the tenant knows the law.
Related Deduction Questions
Cleaning Charges
Broom clean standard and move-out cleaning rules
Deposit Kept for Cleaning
What to do if your deposit was withheld for cleaning
Carpet Replacement
Carpet depreciation and replacement cost rules
Blinds Cleaning
Dusty blinds vs. damaged blinds at move-out
Stains
Rules for carpet and surface stain deductions
All Deduction Topics
Browse all 25 common landlord deduction questions
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