If you’re a landlord or property manager in California, you may be wondering if you can charge a cleaning fee to your tenants. The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of California cleaning fees, including what they are, how much you can charge, and what you need to do to stay compliant with state law.
What Are California Cleaning Fees?
California cleaning fees are fees that landlords or property managers charge to tenants to cover the cost of cleaning the rental unit after the tenant moves out. These fees are typically used to cover the cost of cleaning carpets, walls, and other surfaces, as well as any other cleaning that needs to be done to get the unit ready for the next tenant.
How Much Can You Charge for a Cleaning Fee in California?
In California, there is no set limit on how much you can charge for a cleaning fee. However, you should keep in mind that the fee must be reasonable and reflect the actual cost of cleaning the unit. If you charge an excessive cleaning fee, your tenant may be able to challenge it in court.
What Do You Need to Do to Stay Compliant with State Law?
To stay compliant with California law, there are a few things you need to do when charging a cleaning fee. First, you need to include the fee in your rental agreement or lease. This should clearly state the amount of the fee and what it covers.
Second, you need to provide your tenant with an itemized list of the cleaning expenses that the fee covers. This should be provided within 21 days of the tenant moving out.
Finally, you need to return any unused portion of the cleaning fee to the tenant within 21 days of the tenant moving out. If you don’t return the unused portion of the fee, your tenant may be able to Sue you for the amount.
FAQs
Can I charge a cleaning fee if the tenant leaves the unit clean?
Yes, you can still charge a cleaning fee even if the tenant leaves the unit clean. This is because the fee is intended to cover the cost of cleaning the unit after the tenant moves out, regardless of its condition.
Can I deduct cleaning fees from the tenant’s security deposit?
Yes, you can deduct cleaning fees from the tenant’s security deposit. However, you need to provide the tenant with an itemized list of the cleaning expenses that the fee covers, and you need to return any unused portion of the fee to the tenant within 21 days of the tenant moving out.
What happens if I charge an excessive cleaning fee?
If you charge an excessive cleaning fee, your tenant may be able to challenge it in court. To avoid this, make sure that your fee is reasonable and reflects the actual cost of cleaning the unit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, California cleaning fees are a common practice among landlords and property managers. While there is no set limit on how much you can charge, you need to make sure that the fee is reasonable and reflects the actual cost of cleaning the unit. To stay compliant with state law, you need to include the fee in your rental agreement or lease, provide your tenant with an itemized list of the cleaning expenses, and return any unused portion of the fee to the tenant within 21 days of the tenant moving out. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you’re charging a fair and legal cleaning fee.
