One of the greatest challenges renters and landlords have is the disparity in opinions about what should be deducted from a security deposit.

The tenant usually believes they have left the unit cleaner than they found it, that they were thorough and left nothing undone. The landlord is amazed to find food in the dishwasher drain, garbage still in the disposal, an oven that has caked-on stains, and a tub and bathroom bowls that still have crud on them.

Perception is reality in the eye of the beholder and, if you don’t have proof, there is a problem. So clarity about vacating becomes another of the many things that renters and landlords or property managers must think of when the lease is signed.

Understanding expectations and requirements about cleaning upon vacating is a must, and they should be clearly stated before move-in or at the time of move-in.

Here are some of the ingredients that cause the problem:

• The landlord or property manager fails to let the potential resident or the new tenant know the criteria for getting the security deposit back, and fails to do this at the very beginning. Tenants should ask for a list of what is expected.

• There is no mention of non-refundable fees prior to signing the lease. This usually revolves around the non-refundable carpet cleaning costs. Before signing the lease, a tenant should ask if there is a non-refundable carpet cleaning fee or other fees.

• There is no correspondence, reminders, or even a Cleaning & Vacating Form given until the resident has already moved.

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For full answer please go to spokesmanhomes.com
Landlord Association of the Inland NW
3 S. Washington Street, Spokane, WA 99201
www.landlordassoc.org • 509-535-1018