Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Security deposit & additional rent charges

I currently rent a batchelor apt. & I got married 3 months ago. I am now being charged $200 extra on top of $455 a mo. rent because my wife living with me.

My rental contract says I will be charged $400 extra rent for additional person(s) staying w/me.(no length of stay given).

I am preparing to move out, & I was given a list of security dep. cleaning charges breakdown as follows;

Trash, furn.,etc left in apt. min $50

Gen. cleaning(not incl appliances & bathroom min $50

Bathtub&toilet min $40

Refrig. Min $25

Stove,oven,broiler min $25

Screen rplcmt ea. $15

Vert. blinds rplc kitch.$30 living rm. $60

Removal of adhesive,tape,etc from walls min $25

Spots&stains in carpet ea. $10

Cleaning of carpet $40

I have lived in this apt for 4 years


Asked on 12/21/99, 12:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Security deposit & additional rent charges

Non-refundable cleaning deposits are illegal. They can only charge their actual cost and cannot charge you for normal wear and tear. When you leave clean the place yourself, take photos and then have a witness there when you do a walk through with the landlord.

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Answered on 12/23/99, 2:19 am


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