What Is a Cleaning Fees?

Plain-English Explanation

A cleaning fees clause in a lease or rental agreement is a section that explains how much you might have to pay for cleaning the property when you move out. This fee is usually charged if the property is not left in a clean condition. The clause might specify a fixed amount or describe how the fee will be calculated based on the cleaning needed.

The clause is there to ensure that the property is left in good condition for the next tenant. It might list specific cleaning tasks that need to be done, like vacuuming carpets, cleaning the kitchen, or scrubbing the bathroom. If these tasks aren't completed, the landlord can use the cleaning fee to hire someone to do them.

Sometimes, the clause will also explain what "clean" means. This could include details like removing all trash, wiping down surfaces, and making sure appliances are free of grime. The goal is to make sure everyone understands what is expected when moving out.

Why This Clause Exists

The cleaning fees clause exists to protect the property owner and ensure the rental is ready for the next tenant. When a tenant moves out, the landlord needs the property to be in a condition that is clean and welcoming. This clause helps cover the cost of cleaning if the tenant doesn't leave the place tidy.

For landlords, this clause is a way to avoid unexpected expenses. If a tenant leaves the property dirty, the landlord would have to pay for cleaning out of pocket. By including this clause, landlords can make sure they have funds to cover these costs without having to dip into their own resources.

Common Risks to Watch For

• The clause may not clearly define what "clean" means, leading to misunderstandings.
• It could include a high fixed fee that seems unreasonable for the cleaning required.
• The clause may allow the landlord to decide what needs cleaning without tenant input.
• It could have surprise triggers, like charging a fee even if the property is mostly clean.
• The clause might not specify how the fee is calculated, leading to disputes.

Example in Plain English

Imagine you are renting an apartment and your lease has a cleaning fees clause. When you decide to move out, you clean the apartment but forget to scrub the oven. The landlord checks the apartment and finds the oven dirty. Because of the cleaning fees clause, the landlord hires a cleaning service to clean the oven and deducts $50 from your security deposit to cover the cost.

When This Clause Causes Issues

• When tenants and landlords have different ideas of what "clean" means, leading to disputes.
• If the cleaning fee is much higher than the actual cost of cleaning, tenants might feel it's unfair.
• When tenants are surprised by a cleaning fee because they thought they left the property clean enough.

What to Do Before You Sign

• Ask whether the clause specifies what "clean" means.
• Check if the fee is a fixed amount or based on actual cleaning costs.
• Find out if you can clean the property yourself to avoid the fee.
• Ask how the landlord decides what needs cleaning.
• Inquire if there are any exceptions to the fee, like for normal wear and tear.