June 13, 2019 by Mulberry Maids
Most people aren’t aware of how important having the best move out cleaning Fort Collins, CO can provide is until the moment they try to get their initial deposit back from their old landlord. Depending on the state you left your previous place in, the landlord may or may not find a number of faults with it.
This can result in your initial deposit being withheld or even your landlord charging you extra after you moved out. Previously, we discussed the average price of move out cleaning, and whether carpet cleaning is needed before moving out.
Now, we will give you a few tips that will help ensure you get your full deposit back and avoid extra charges from your landlord. Read on to learn more.
Can landlord keep deposit for cleaning?
The initial deposit you give to your landlord is intended to serve as a “safety net” that enables the landlord to cover the costs of unpaid rent or repair any damage to their property. Whether a landlord can keep your deposit depends on the state you leave their property in. It’s all part of the landlord-tenant agreement.
Normally, a landlord will deduct the price of cleaning out of a deposit only if the tenant has left the property in an exceedingly dirty state. However, many landlords will use even mild dirtiness as a justification to withhold your deposit.
The best way to avoid disagreements and frustration is to have the place cleaned by a reliable cleaning company. This will make it infinitely harder for your landlord to complain about cleanliness.
What can a landlord deduct from deposit?
The purpose of the initial deposit is to shield the landlord against late or unpaid rents or cover the costs of repairs or cleaning a considerable mess. When a tenant can’t cover these costs themselves, the landlord can deduct them out of the initial deposit.
That being said, unless something is considered to be “damage” under Colorado law, the landlord cannot draw from the deposit.
Things that count as damages include:
- Heavily stained or ripped carpets.
- Deeply scratched hardwood floors or hardwood floors that are missing parts.
- Chipped, broken, or missing tiles.
- Torn screens, smashed glass, broken windows, etc.
- Chipped countertops, deep stains, burnt areas, etc.
- Holes in the walls, nail holes left over from hanging pictures, etc.
- Unauthorized paint colors or paint that has been scribbled on.
What is normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear covers every type of damage that naturally occurs during the course of an item’s or structure’s lifetime. These are expected to happen during normal use, and so a landlord cannot ask a tenant to pay for repairs or replacements.
Things that count as normal wear and tear include:
- Slightly worn carpets that may have some worn patches, but no tears or stains.
- Floors that became faded due to sunlight exposure.
- Tiles surrounded by dirty grout.
- Lightly scratched windows and worn window frames.
- Scratched and lightly stained countertops.
- Settling-caused cracks in the walls.
- Mildly scuffed paint, or paint faded from sunlight.
By having your move out cleaning done by a professional cleaning service, you’ll not only never have to worry about any of these things, but also get the gift of leisure time. You’ll be able to relax and have fun at the Carnegie Center for Creativity in preparation for your big moving day.
Who supplies the finest move out cleaning Fort Collins, CO can offer?
Here at Mulberry Maids, we pride ourselves on being Fort Collins’ premier company that works with exceptional cleaning pros. The cleaners we team up with are trained and equipped to provide you with top-of-the-line move out cleanings while you take care of other moving arrangements.
Book a cleaning today using our effortless online booking form. We’d be thrilled to hear from you.