Can a landlord charge for reasonable time to clean and repair?
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Can a landlord charge for reasonable time to clean and repair?
I am a landlord and my tenant vacated the premises by the agreed upon time however did not clean the premises as stated in the lease agreement. Tenant also left behind a lot of trash and items tenant instructed me to trash (1.5 Pickup Truck Loads). I have before pictures and after pictures plus video of the final inspection. Will I be able to charge a reasonable hourly rate for repairs and cleaning, supplies to clean, and a reasonable trash removal and disposal fee?
Asked on February 1, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Arizona
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I am sure that you are aware that as a Landlord you have 14 days after the tenant vacates the premises in which to either return the security deposit or submit to the tenant an itemized written list of the damages. Under the statute I believe that you can charge for the "cost of repair." If you yourself are doing the repair I would get estimates from "professionals" as to the cost of hauling the trash and cleaning the apartment as well as the costs of the repairs. Then I would charge a reasonable amount based upon the fact that you yourself are doing them. If the Court is not happy with what you have charged believe me: they will reduce the amount. Good luck to you.
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