A scenario where the tenant moves out from a property without cleaning the carpet is not new. Some tenants may be so fast to move out that they forget about the responsibility of carpet cleaning. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it is paramount to understand where you stand as far as carpet cleaning is concerned. So, can landlord require professional carpet cleaning?
According to most state laws, carpet cleaning is part of the expense that property owners incur for renting out a property. In other words, it is the responsibility of the landlords to ensure standard carpet cleaning.
However, when the time for tenants to vacate the property comes, the law expects that they leave the carpets in the same condition they were when they moved. Any damages to the carpet are the responsibility of the tenant.
Can a Landlord Charge for Carpet Cleaning?
Many landlords wonder whether they should charge their tenants for carpet cleaning. If the tenant did not leave the carpet in the condition that they found it when they were first getting into the property, they should be willing to cater for the cost of carpet cleaning. Nonetheless, the Landlord should ensure that whatever steps they take are within the constraints of the law.
When Landlords cannot Charge a Tenant for Carpet Cleaning
In most instances, property owners should avoid charging tenants for carpet cleaning. This is because the carpet is part of turnover expenses that are under the responsibility of the landlords.
Therefore, if the carpet cleaning does not surpass a professional cleaner’s standard rate and there are no unreasonable damages to the carpet, landlords should avoid charging tenants for carpet cleaning after moving out. In other words, it is the responsibility of the landlords to bear the carpet cleaning costs after the tenants vacate the property. If you are looking for a great carpet cleaner, contact www.fantasticcarpetservices.com/carpet-cleaning-river-oaks/.
What is the Option for Tenants if the Landlord is compelling them to pay for Carpet Cleaning?
- If there is no unusual damage caused to the carpet, a landlord does not have any moral or legal obligation to withhold a tenant’s security deposit. There are several steps that a tenant can take if the Landlord makes such an attempt.
- The tenant can write a letter to the Landlord making it clear that the Landlord does not have any legal obligation to make the deductions since the carpet has not been damaged beyond normal tear and wear. Moreover, if the tenant lives in the city of Madison, the city’s authorities do not allow the withholding of standard carpet cleaning costs.
- File a written complaint with Trade and consumer protection
- File a claim to recover an illegally withheld security deposit. In such a case, the tenant may be legible double the amount the Landlord is withholding.
Conclusion
While it can be disgusting for a landlord to find some parts of the carpet dirt, it is crucial to ensure that every action the Landlord takes is within the law’s constraints. Moreover, many professional carpet cleaners can help clean your carpets in the shortest possible. All you need is to do a simple Google search, and you will have options of companies to consider. With an excellent professional carpet cleaner, you are not likely to have any problems with your tenants.
