Can my landlord keep my deposit for cleaning?
Your landlord can deduct cleaning costs only if you left the unit dirtier than when you moved in, beyond normal wear. They cannot charge for routine turnover cleaning that happens between every tenant.
The standard is simple: leave the place in the same condition you found it, minus normal wear and tear. If you left grease caked on the stove, mold in the bathroom, or trash everywhere, your landlord can deduct reasonable cleaning costs. But if you cleaned before leaving and the landlord just wants a "professional deep clean" — that's on them.
Routine cleaning between tenants is a cost of being a landlord. Wiping down counters, vacuuming, cleaning windows — these happen after every tenant regardless. Your landlord can't bill you for that. What they can bill for: cleaning that goes beyond routine, like removing heavy grease buildup, scrubbing pet urine stains, or hauling away items you left behind.
Document everything. Take photos and video of the unit the day you move out. If your landlord deducts $500 for "cleaning" on a unit you left spotless, those photos are your best evidence for getting your money back.
How This Works State by State
The rules vary depending on where you live. Here's how the biggest states handle it.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)(3), California landlords can only deduct cleaning costs to restore the unit to its move-in condition, not for routine turnover cleaning.
Texas landlords must itemize all cleaning deductions under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104(c) and can only charge for cleaning beyond normal turnover.
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a), New York landlords must itemize cleaning deductions and cannot charge for standard turnover cleaning.
Florida tenants have 15 days to dispute cleaning deductions after receiving the landlord's notice under Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3).
Under the Chicago RLTO § 5-12-080, failure to provide itemized cleaning receipts entitles the tenant to a full deposit refund plus penalties.
| State | Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| California | California allows cleaning deductions only to restore the unit to the same level of cleanliness as move-in. The landlord must provide receipts or a good-faith estimate. | Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)(3) |
| Texas | Texas allows reasonable cleaning deductions but the landlord must provide an itemized list of charges. Courts look at whether the tenant left the unit substantially dirtier than move-in. | Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104(c) |
| New York | New York requires itemized deductions. Landlords cannot charge for routine cleaning. Excessive cleaning charges are one of the most commonly disputed deductions in NY housing court. | N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a) |
| Florida | Florida landlords must notify tenants within 30 days of any cleaning deductions. If the tenant objects within 15 days, the landlord must prove the charges are reasonable. | Fla. Stat. § 83.49(3) |
| Illinois | Illinois requires itemized receipts for all cleaning deductions. Under the Chicago RLTO, failure to provide an itemized statement means the tenant gets the full deposit back. | 765 ILCS 710/1; Chicago RLTO § 5-12-080 |
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord keep my deposit for cleaning?
Your landlord can deduct cleaning costs only if you left the unit dirtier than when you moved in, beyond normal wear. They cannot charge for routine turnover cleaning that happens between every tenant.
Can my landlord charge me for carpet replacement?
Your landlord can only charge you for carpet damage beyond normal wear and tear. Worn paths, minor stains from regular use, and fading are normal wear — not your responsibility. Large burns, pet damage, or deep stains from negligence are deductible.
Can my landlord charge me for painting after I move out?
Generally no — repainting between tenants is considered routine maintenance, not tenant damage. Landlords can only charge you for painting if you caused damage beyond normal wear, like crayon drawings, smoke staining, or unauthorized bold paint colors.
Can my landlord deduct from my deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. Every state prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. Scuffed floors, faded paint, worn carpet paths, and minor wall marks from furniture are all normal wear — your landlord cannot charge you for these.
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DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.