This depends on what your state landlord tenant act may say. Usually up to $100 - $150 can be non-refundable provided you clearly state this and you actually do the work. For instance $75 of the above number is for carpet cleaning. $50 of it could be for cleaning because the tenant was/is a smoker. Hope this helps you to get started or better understand the charges.
It depends completely on the area you live in. I d call around some other apartment complexes and ask them about some of their contractual guidelines. Mostly, it ends up being broken down into what needs to be done. If a tenant cleans exuberantly well upon move out, no fee should be charged. Set prices for basic things- stains in carpets, dirty bathrooms, trash left in apt, and so on. Be reasonable about it- depending on the state you live in there might be laws protecting the kinds of surcharges you can include in such a fee. If all else fails, contract out the work it would take for a cleaning service to take care of what needs to be cleaned, and add 10% to the total. This is a chance to pay you for your labor in contacting and scheduling the cleaning services, not to make exaggerated profit at your tenant s expense. Make sure you include the prices in leasing contracts and get a signature before trying to implement any fees.
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