If the flat was dirty when I arrived and now they want to keep money from my deposit if I don’t clean it before I leave, what can I do?

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If the flat was dirty when I arrived and now they want to keep money from my deposit if I don’t clean it before I leave, what can I do?

After asking during 3 months they accepted to send cleaners who didn’t clean the grill, the oven and the windows as I asked, and now they want me to clean them before I leave. I refuse to do it as I consider this is not my job, I don’t pay them to clean their dirty flat for the next occupier, am I right?

Asked on June 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Colorado

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

A tenant is not responsible for regular end-of-lease cleaning (i.e. for any cleaning required by normal wear and tear) or for cleaning any conditions or mess not caused by him or her. A landlord may only legally charge (or take out of the security deposit) amounts necessary to clean if the tenant caused some mess, filth, condition, etc. which exceeds normal wear and tear--for example, if you had pets which stained a rug, if you didn't through out food so there is crusted or old food or garbage, if you left so many belongings behind the landlord need to hire a dumpster or service to remove them, if you somehow got grease on walls, etc. Your only normal responsibility, if you did not cause an unclean condition which exceeds ordinary wear and tear for the time you were a resident, is to remove your belongings.


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