Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    1

    Default Landlord is Charging Excessive Cleaning Fees

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Kansas

    So, I took over a lease at the end of May 2017 from a girl and her boyfriend. I just took the boyfriend off the lease, the girl was still on the lease. Lease ended July 2017. This is in Kansas.

    I cleaned the apartment and had the rugs professionally cleaned. I also did a move-out inspection. I was also stupid and didn’t take photos at move out, but I have people who could verify the cleanliness of the apartment.

    At the end of August, I get a letter from the property management saying I owe them over $1200. This is after the $755 security deposit was already taken out of the actual amount owed. They listed a few items that I understand (i.e. toilet seat, drip pans, door replacement, etc).
    Here’s the kicker: the cleaning fee was over $1300. This does not include the other over $430 labor fee.
    Please note this is a basement apartment: 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Can’t be more than 1000sq feet.
    Can they actually ask that much? And if so, can I request an itemized list of where that $1300 comes from?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Landlord is Charging Excessive Cleaning Fees

    Obviously the can ask that much because they have.

    You can request an itemized list; however, your state does not require a landlord to provide such. Thus; they might ignore your request for such.

    You might attempt to check out whether a landlord can charge for their labor in this state; some states do not allow this. However, if the landlord contracted with others to do this work the labor cost would be added to the charges.

    Here is the statute regarding security deposit information:

    http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2014...58_025_0050_k/

    Good luck..

    Gail

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Landlord is Charging Excessive Cleaning Fees

    I would demand an explanation of the charges. If I did not get one, I would consider suing in small claims court for the return of the balance of the security deposit beyond the undisputed damage, and let a court sort it out -- a court is not going to approve a $1,300 cleaning charge and $430 labor charge without explanation. (If a door had to be removed and replaced, with trim and paint repair, the labor charge becomes more plausible.)

    Granted, that risks a counter-suit.

    In Kansas, upon vacating, a tenant should leave the apartment as clean as it was when the tenancy began (with allowance for ordinary wear and tear). Ideally, in addition to receipts from the professional rug cleaning, you'll be able to provide evidence from the rug cleaning company that the carpets were not damaged beyond ordinary wear and tear, and you'll have pictures of the unit showing the condition of the floors, walls, etc., at the time you vacated.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Cleaning and Repairs: Landlord is Making Excessive Cleaning and Repair Charges
    By Alan Russen in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-30-2015, 11:28 AM
  2. Security Deposits: Landlord is Charging Excessive Cleaning Fees Against the Security Deposit
    By guest2171 in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 09-01-2015, 07:08 PM
  3. Cleaning and Repairs: Excessive Carpet Cleaning Fees on Move-Out
    By ctote in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-15-2015, 09:42 AM
  4. Security Deposits: Landlord Charging for Cleaning and Painting
    By luceh in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-12-2013, 02:58 AM
  5. Security Deposits: Landlord Charging Carpet Cleaning Fee Due to Slow-Working Cleaning Crew
    By jbmed in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-19-2013, 05:03 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources