Can an Apartment Charge You for Cleaning?

General - by [email protected] - June 4, 2025
Confused renter holding spray bottle and cloth faces landlord with ‘Cleaning Fee $150’ clipboard in a spotless apartment.

Can an Apartment Charge You for Cleaning?

Moving is chaos… but losing part of your security deposit over cleaning? That’s just unnecessary.

We get it. Between the boxes, the kids, and the change-of-address forms, you’ve already got enough on your plate. So here’s the real deal—no fluff—on what landlords can (and can’t) charge you for when it comes to move-out cleaning.

Moving out of our first rental home as a newly engaged couple felt like a fresh start. We scrubbed, polished, and made the place sparkle—honestly, it was cleaner than when we moved in. Yet, our landlord still tried to charge us a cleaning fee. The lesson? Always keep your cleaning receipts and take photos for proof.

We’re not alone in this experience. One renter shared on Reddit that despite thoroughly cleaning their apartment, they were surprised to see a $150 “Standard 1×1 Cleaning Charge” deducted from their security deposit. They had even discussed cleaning expectations with the landlord beforehand, but still faced the fee. reddit.com

Another renter recounted a horror story where a hired bond cleaner caused significant damage to their property, including using a chainsaw on a couch and spraying water inside the house, leading to thousands in damages. couriermail.com.au

So, how can you protect yourself?

  1. Document Everything: Take time-stamped photos before and after your tenancy.
  2. Keep Receipts: Save all cleaning service receipts and any related correspondence.
  3. Understand Your Lease: Know what constitutes “normal wear and tear” and what you’re responsible for.justanswer.com+4jmzmanagement.com+4baymgmtgroup.com+4
  4. Communicate: Discuss cleaning expectations with your landlord before moving out.
  5. Request an Inspection: If possible, have a walkthrough with your landlord to address potential issues.

Remember, being proactive can save you from unexpected charges and ensure a smoother transition to your next home.

Can an Apartment Charge You for Cleaning?

Short answer: Yes. But not for everything.

Here’s the line in the sand: they can charge you if you leave the place dirty beyond normal wear and tear. And they can’t just pull a number out of thin air—they need to prove it was necessary and send you an itemized breakdown within your state’s required timeframe.

What’s “Reasonable”? How Much Are We Talking?

Cleaning charges vary… but here’s what’s typical:

  • Deep clean range: $150–$600
  • Hourly rate: $50–$100/hr depending on your area

More space, more bathrooms, more grime = higher bill. But here’s the rule: they can’t charge more than a legit cleaning company would charge in your zip code.

Security Deposit Deductions: What’s Fair Game

Landlords can deduct for:

  • Heavily soiled carpets
  • Trash piles left behind
  • Pet damage or smells
  • Grease-caked kitchens
  • Moldy bathrooms

They can’t deduct for:

  • Light scuffs on walls
  • Faded paint
  • Normal wear on flooring
  • A couple nail holes

Translation: life happened? That’s not your bill.

Cleaning Fees in Your Lease: What to Watch For

Fee TypeWhen It’s LegalYour Move
Upfront non-refundable feeOnly if it’s clearly labeled in the leaseBudget for it on day one
Deposit deductionOnly if the unit wasn’t left “move-in ready”Take photos. Always.
Special fees (pets, carpet, appliances)Must be in lease & market-rateDIY clean-up can save big

Wear & Tear vs. Real Damage

Let’s break it down:

Normal Wear = Landlord’s responsibility

  • Carpet traffic paths
  • Minor scuffs
  • Sun-faded paint

Damage or Filth = Your bill

  • Urine-soaked carpet
  • Broken blinds
  • Greasy oven grime
  • Trash left behind

Missouri-Specific Rules: What You Need to Know

If you’re moving in or out of Town and Country or anywhere in Missouri:

  • Cleaning charges are allowed, but only to bring the place back to the condition it was in when you moved in (minus regular wear and tear).
  • Landlords MUST itemize every deduction—and if you ask, they need to provide receipts.
  • Deposit must be returned within 30 days. No games.

You’re allowed to request copies. You’re allowed to dispute fees. You’re allowed to keep your money.

How to Challenge Unfair Cleaning Charges

If something feels off?

  • Ask for proof—photos, receipts, the works.
  • Send a written dispute—certified mail is your friend.
  • Small claims court can work in your favor if you have good evidence.

Some states (including Missouri) allow penalties if the landlord withholds deposits unfairly.

5 Ways to Protect Your Security Deposit

  1. Document everything at move-in (photos, checklists, timestamps).
  2. Keep receipts if you hire a pro for mid-lease cleaning.
  3. Ask for a pre-move-out inspection—some states require it.
  4. Snap final photos—every room, every surface.
  5. Use email or certified mail for all move-out communication.

Final Word? Know Your Rights… And Clean Smart

Yes, your landlord can charge you for cleaning—but only within reason. Only if they can prove it. And only if you left more than dust bunnies behind.

So clean smart. Document everything. And protect your deposit like the family budget depends on it… because it does.

More Blogs:

How often should a cleaner come?

Is my house too dirty for a cleaner to come?

Book a cleaning

Topics