Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Hello,

I live in Los Angeles and have been renting a two bedroom apartment for a little over a year.

I'm in the process of moving out and my landlord is trying to deduct a cleaning fee from my security deposit. I would be fine with paying this, however, she already charged me a cleaning fee to move into the place.

I also know that she charged the lady that was previously in my apartment a cleaning fee when she moved out. I don't understand why she would have to deep clean the apartment twice.

And I'm pretty certain she is going to charge the new tenant a cleaning fee to move in because that's what she did to the new tenant next door.

Is this legal or am I being taking advantage of?

Any help would be great.

Thank you.


Asked on 4/12/13, 10:31 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Daphne Macklin Law Office of Daphne L. Macklin

If you have paid a security deposit and a cleaning fee on move-in, you probably should not owe a cleaning fee upon move out. I recommend that you review the residential tenant informational materials at the California Department of Consumer Affairs website. Once you move out the landlord has 21 days to provide you with either a full refund or alternative an itemized statement of any deductions that are being made from the security deposit. If you have objections to any charges you should consider trying to take the matter to mediation or alternatively going to Small Claims Court.

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Answered on 4/13/13, 8:43 pm

I agree with Ms. Macklin that this is almost certainly illegal. Rather than contact the Dept of Consumer Affairs, however, since you are under the jurisdiction of the L.A. Rent Board by your zip code, I would recommend you contact the Rent Board and see about filing a complaint.

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Answered on 4/14/13, 4:38 pm


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