Planning a move out is usually distressing, as there are many chores you need to remember to take care of before your moving day, including
in-depth cleaning, best left to Kansas City pros. On top of everything else, you need to make sure to leave the place in good condition so you’ll get your security deposit back without any problems.
Getting professional move out cleaning in Kansas City can help you avoid at least half the hassle, and minimize the amount a landlord can charge  when you move out. With
experienced Kansas City move in/move out cleaning professionals, you can forget all about the stress. If you’re unsure as to
what to include in move-out cleaning or
how to clean your house before moving out, professionals in the cleaning business will be more than happy to fill you in.
But for now, let’s focus on what you can do to avoid additional move out costs!
Can landlord keep deposit for cleaning?
Acceptable reasons for keeping a tenant’s security deposit vary from state to state, as each has its own particular security deposit laws. Nevertheless, there are five situations when it’s ok for landlord to keep security deposit regardless of the state you live in:
- Breaking the lease. If there’s an early termination clause, you should notify the landlord you’re moving in time, to avoid breaching the lease and any related costs.
- Extraordinary cleaning costs, such as extreme dirtiness, mildew or clogged drains, extensive stains or damage to carpet or hardwood floors, stains or damage caused by pets, etc.
- Unpaid rent. Paying rent on time is the best way to ensure you get a full security deposit back after you move out.
- Unpaid utilities. If you haven’t paid utility bills you were supposed to pay according to your lease, these can be deducted from your security deposit.
- Destroyed or damaged property.
Ultimately, standard cleaning costs cannot be deducted from the security deposit. However, if the necessary cleaning is out of the ordinary, a landlord can keep a part of the security deposit to cover the excessive cleaning costs.
What can a landlord deduct from deposit?
As previously mentioned, a landlord can deduct from deposit to cover unpaid rent, bills, or other costs such as fixing damage beyond normal wear and tear. The security deposit may also be used for cleaning according to some state
landlord tenant laws, but that’s only if the place isn’t as clean as it was upon move in. Some states allow landlords to charge for loss of property (e.g. keys) by deducting the cost from deposit.
On the other hand, a landlord cannot use the deposit money for repairing damage or defects that were already present in the rental unit before you moved in, nor to cover issues caused by normal wear and tear.
To prevent any problems with getting your security deposit back once you move out, make sure everything goes smoothly by planning ahead: give your landlord the appropriate notice, pay your rent and bills, clean the place and finish small repairs, returning it to initial condition.
What is normal wear and tear?
Upon learning a landlord can deduct damages beyond “normal wear and tear” from your security deposit, you might ask: “Okay, but what exactly is considered normal wear and tear?” Common scratches and marks that even the most careful renters can’t avoid would probably be the closest definition.
Here are a couple of suggestions from the American Apartment Owners Association regarding “wear and tear” to help you get your security deposit back:
- Check the doors and hinges, make sure they’re in good condition.
- Check if the toilet functions properly.
- Ensure the carpets aren’t notably worn or dirty.
- Take care of the small cracks in walls and get rid of stains.
This is not a complete list of things a landlord can charge for when you move out, but it helps paint a picture. Try to restore the apartment to its original condition and your landlord won’t be able to make unreasonable deposit deductions when you move out.
Stress-relieving premium move out cleaning services in Kansas City
June is finally here, bringing sunny weather that is simply ideal for a stroll through
Kansas River Valley. Instead of stressing about cleaning chores, getting your security deposit back and things like that, you could relax and enjoy the nature. Immerse yourself in your favourite book, or simply chill under a tree, while Sunflower Maids take care of the move out cleaning for you.
We strive for 100% customer satisfaction, and there’s no better service quality guarantee than our ratings on Google and Yelp. Leave the cleaning to us, and you’ll be amazed by the results. Your capable and meticulous cleaning experts will do a wonderful job with any type of cleaning you have in mind, so book now!
