Using Security Deposit For Cleaning
Hi,
My first tenants are moving out after 13 months of renting. They don’t keep the house clean and I doubt they will clean it properly. I am going to hire professional cleaners and I wonder what services can be paid from the security deposit. Can I charge my tenants for cleaning blinds, washing windows, etc?
Thank you for any advice,
Alla
You Lease has a clause about the up keep expected by tenants that allows for normal wear and tear however it is hard to determine often what one considers normal. Having before and after photos or 2 unbiased witnesses will clear you if you do have to appear in court. You have 2 to 4 weeks to return any remaining deposit, make sure you mail the tenants a Depsit Settlement Report explaining in detail how you used their deposit. For cleaning make sure you say"Cleaning, "beyond normal wear and tear"
If they give you an urgument tell them it is a matter of record and if they want to urgue you would only talk in court.
I would suggest that the next time you include a move-in/move-out checklist with your lease. When they move in do a walk thru with them, checking off all the points on the list. Also, put a cost that will be charged on each box prefilled out (i.e. clean stove $25). This will make your expectations known and you can subtract the cost of cleaning from the security deposit.
Buy the book
Every Landlords Legal Guide, it has 20 free landlord forms PLUS a move-in-move-out list. Must have for landlords:
http://nolo.com/product.cfm/ObjectID/A5659B5E-99B5-455F-B162622144C09F45/catid/5944A0DA-71B3-49EA-BF5D300558FB66A9/213/178/[ Edited by d_random on Date 08/18/2005 ]
I do not know that much about Peachtree but I know Quickbooks is more popular than Peachtree. The only thing about both of these programs is they are designed for any business not especially for property management. The big plus is they are really cheap. Depending on how big you of a company you are you may want to invest in real property management/accounting software, but that is going to cost you. Yardi is very good and they are just coming out with a new version. Avmtech is pretty good too. Do a google search for yardi and avmtech and check those guys out. Good luck.
Ebellis the link is http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZnichesw
So has anyone else used this program? What are your thoughts?? Worth the $70???
nyjosh-
If you have some input about REALTOOLS, there is a forum where the author of the software takes suggestions. He relies on feedback from customers to make the program better. Link below:
http://www.nichesw.com/forum/index.php
I picked up a copy of RealTools based on your recommendation, this is a great program for the money. Actually, it is better than some of the others that I tried that were several hundred dollars (tried a lot of demos). Thanks for the tip.
Jim