Whether a landlord can charge a cleaning fee depends on your state and lease
Most states allow landlords to charge for cleaning, but the rules vary widely. Some states ban cleaning fees entirely. Others permit them only if the tenant leaves the unit visibly dirty—not straightforward lived-in. A few states allow landlords to charge for any cleaning, even if you leave the place spotless. Your lease language and your state's tenant laws together determine what your landlord can actually collect.
The key distinction is between normal wear and tear and damage or filth. A landlord cannot charge you to clean away normal wear—faded paint, minor scuffs, worn carpet in high-traffic areas. They can charge to remove stains, pet damage, trash left behind, or buildup that goes beyond everyday use. Whether they can charge for routine cleaning (vacuuming, mopping) even when you leave the unit clean is where state law splits.
Key Takeaways
- California, New York, and several other states prohibit cleaning fees outright; landlords there can deduct cleaning costs from your deposit only if you leave the unit dirty.
- Many states allow cleaning fees if written into the lease, but the landlord must still prove the cleaning was necessary and itemize the cost.
- Normal wear and tear—faded walls, worn flooring, light dust—cannot be charged to you under any state law.
- Pet damage, stains, trash, and excessive grime are generally chargeable across all states, whether as a fee or deposit deduction.
- Your lease may state a cleaning fee, but state law can override it; check your state's tenant handbook or housing authority website to know your actual rights.
States that ban cleaning fees outright
California, New York, Washington, and a handful of others do not allow landlords to charge a separate cleaning fee at all. In these states, a landlord can deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit only if you leave the unit in a condition that requires professional cleaning—meaning visibly dirty, not just lived-in.
Even in these states, the landlord must provide an itemized list of what was cleaned, the cost per item, and proof (such as a receipt from a cleaning service). They cannot straightforward charge a flat fee or estimate. If you dispute the charge, you have the right to see the evidence. Many of these states also cap how much can be deducted for cleaning—often 10 to 15 percent of the deposit—or require the landlord to use only the cost of professional cleaning, not inflated labor rates.
States that allow cleaning fees if disclosed in the lease
Most states permit a cleaning fee if it is written into your lease before you sign. However, the fee must still be reasonable and the landlord must still prove it was necessary. A lease that says "nonrefundable $500 cleaning fee" does not override the rule that you cannot be charged for normal wear and tear.
In these states, the landlord can charge the fee even if you leave the unit clean, provided the lease says so upfront. However, they still cannot charge for normal wear. If you dispute the charge, you can argue in small claims court that the cleaning was not necessary or that the fee was unreasonably high. Keep photos of the unit when you move out to document its condition.
What counts as normal wear and tear
Normal wear and tear includes faded or discolored walls from sunlight, minor scuffs on baseboards, worn carpet in hallways and bedrooms, loose door handles, and light dust. It also includes small nail holes from hanging pictures, minor caulk gaps in bathrooms, and worn cabinet hinges. A landlord cannot charge you to repaint, recarpet, or replace these items straightforward because time has passed.
The test is whether the damage resulted from ordinary use or from neglect and misuse. A small stain on carpet from a spill you cleaned up is wear. A large stain from a pet accident or spilled paint left to dry is damage. Dust from living there is wear. Trash, food debris, or mold from moisture is not. If you are unsure whether something will be charged to you, photograph it when you move in and when you move out, and ask your landlord in writing what cleaning or repairs they plan to deduct.
Pet damage and other chargeable conditions
Pet stains, scratches, and odor are almost universally chargeable, even in states that ban cleaning fees. If your lease allows pets, the landlord can still charge you for damage beyond normal pet wear. A few scratches on a door from a dog's nails may be wear; deep gouges or splintering are damage. A faint pet odor after you clean is wear; a strong smell requiring professional odor removal is chargeable.
Other conditions landlords can charge for include trash or debris left in the unit, excessive grime or buildup in the kitchen or bathroom, broken or missing items you were responsible for, and stains from spills or accidents. If you had a water leak or mold issue during your tenancy, document when you reported it and what the landlord did. You cannot be charged for mold or water damage caused by the landlord's failure to maintain the property.
How to challenge a cleaning charge on your deposit
If your landlord deducts a cleaning fee from your security deposit, they must provide an itemized list within the timeframe set by your state—usually 30 to 45 days after you move out. The list should show what was cleaned, the cost, and ideally a receipt or photo. If they do not provide this documentation, you can dispute the charge.
Send your landlord a written letter (email or certified mail) asking for the itemized breakdown and receipts. If they do not respond or the charges seem unreasonable, you can file a claim in small claims court. Bring your move-in photos, move-out photos, the lease, and any written communication with the landlord. Many states allow you to recover the wrongfully deducted amount plus court costs and sometimes triple damages if the landlord acted in bad faith.
What to do before you move out
Take photos and video of every room, closet, and fixture when you move in and again when you move out. Photograph damage, stains, or dirt in good lighting and with timestamps. This evidence is crucial if you need to dispute a cleaning charge later.
Clean the unit thoroughly before you leave—vacuum, mop, wipe down surfaces, and remove trash. You do not have to hire a professional cleaner unless your lease requires it, but the unit should be in the same condition as when you moved in, minus normal wear. Walk through with your landlord if possible and point out any pre-existing damage or wear. Ask them in writing what, if anything, they plan to charge for cleaning or repairs. This creates a record and often prevents disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord charge a cleaning fee if my lease does not mention one?
It depends on your state. In California, New York, and similar states, no—cleaning fees are banned regardless of the lease. In most other states, a landlord can deduct cleaning costs from your deposit only if the unit is visibly dirty. They cannot charge a fee for routine cleaning if you left the place clean. Check your state's tenant handbook to be sure.
What if I left the apartment clean but my landlord charges me for cleaning anyway?
Request an itemized receipt showing what was cleaned and the cost. If they cannot provide one, or if the charges seem unreasonable, send a written dispute and ask for the money back. If they refuse, you can sue in small claims court. Bring your move-out photos as proof the unit was clean.
Does pet damage count as normal wear and tear?
No. Pet stains, odor, scratches, and other damage caused by your pet are chargeable in all states. However, minor scratches or faint odor from normal pet use may be considered wear. Deep gouges, strong odors requiring professional removal, or urine stains are damage and can be deducted from your deposit or charged as a fee.
Can a landlord charge me for cleaning if I hired a professional cleaner before I moved out?
In most states, if you left the unit clean, the landlord cannot charge an additional cleaning fee even if the lease mentions one. However, some states allow the fee if it is written in the lease. If you hired a professional and have a receipt, that is strong evidence the unit was clean. Keep the receipt and photos to dispute any charge.
How long does a landlord have to deduct cleaning costs from my deposit?
Most states require landlords to return your deposit and provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 to 45 days of move-out. If they do not provide documentation within this timeframe, you may be may have access to to the full deposit back plus penalties. Check your state's specific timeline.