07/01/2026
🧹 Security Deposit & Cleaning: What Tenants Should Know
1️⃣ Tenants must return the unit in good condition
If the unit is left dirty—smelly, with grease stains, mold, or trash—cleaning costs are unavoidable.
2️⃣ Professional cleaning is NOT free
Cleaning requires paid labor, time, equipment, and sometimes chemicals.
Landlords should not pay for messes they didn’t create.
3️⃣ Units must be ready for the next tenant
No one wants to rent a dirty space.
Security deposits are used to restore the unit to a rentable condition.
4️⃣ This is standard practice
Whether condo, apartment, or boarding house:
👉 Cleaning, damages, and unpaid bills are deductible from the security deposit.
5️⃣ Clean unit = full refund
• Left clean → full refund (minus valid deductions)
• Left dirty → cleaning charge applies
This isn’t taking advantage of tenants—it’s a fair and standard policy that protects landlords and ensures a clean home for the next occupant.
