Cleaning And Repair Costs That Can Be Deducted From Security Deposits

Typically, landlords are permitted to charge tenants for any cleaning or repairs that are necessary to restore the rental unit to pre-tenancy conditions. However, a tenant’s security deposit cannot be used to cover the costs of ordinary wear and tear that may occur during a tenant’s occupancy. Following are some examples of wear and tear versus damage or filthy rental premises:

Ordinary Wear & Tear That Is A Landlord’s Responsibility

1. Sun faded curtains.
2. Shower or bath water stained linoleum.
3. Nicked or minor marked wall paint.
4. Wall dent, result of being constantly bumped by a door handle.
5. Spotted or moderately dirty carpet.
6. Tack or nail holed walls.
7. A rug worn thin due to constant use.
8. A refrigerator door’s worn gaskets.
9. Faded wall paint.
10. Ingrained dirt soiled hardwood floors that have lost their finish and been worn down to bare wood.
11. Warped cabinet doors that don’t or won’t close.
12. Stained porcelain fixtures without their protective coating.
13. Moderately dirty mini-blinds.
14. De-silvering (spotted) bathroom mirror.
15. Clothes dryer thermostat that has given out and now delivers cold instead of hot air.
16. Mineral deposit clogged toilet jets that flush inadequately, as a result.

Tenant Caused Damage Or Filthy Mess

1. Curtains or carpets with cigarette burns.
2. Broken bathroom tiles.
3. Prominently marked or hole-pitted walls.
4. Hanging doors i.e. off their hinges.
5. Ripped or pet urine stained carpet.
6. Picture holes or gouged walls requiring extensive patching, including re-painting.
7. Stained rugs.
8. Broken refrigerator shelves.
9. Water damaged walls.
10. Water stained wooden floors and windowsills.
11. Icky sticky cabinets and interiors.
12. Grime-coated bathtub and toilet.
13. Missing mini-blinds.
14. Lipstick and make-up encrusted mirrors.
15. Non-functional dryers.
16. Clogged toilets that do not flush properly due to a thrown in diaper or tampon.

The above gives a pretty comprehensive picture to both landlord and tenant, as to what can and cannot be claimed as cleaning or repair costs from security deposits. It is up to both to ensure that they keep their part of the bargain.

However, to avoid expensive litigation, landlords should screen prospective tenants thoroughly, weeding out undesirable elements with past evictions or criminal pasts. Visit www.e-renter.com for tenant screening and background check services.