My question involves a security deposit in the State of: California
My landlord (agent for large corporate apartment bldg) says that even if I clean the carpet, they will charge me again for cleaning it themselves because "by law, all carpets must be steam-cleaned before a new tenant moves in." They were vague about the amount that they would charge me for this. I have not had my preinspection walk-through yet, nor have I moved out. I have cleaned the carpet twice since I've lived here (2 years), and it is very clean and spot-free. How should I proceed to avoid a problem and to get my full deposit back?
a) Professionally clean it and present them with the receipt to fulfill the steam-cleaning "law" and probably pay less than they'd charge me?
b) Clean it with a household carpet cleaner, leaving it clean but not professionally?
c) Get a price quote in writing from them to clean it their way and don't bother to clean it myself if I agree to their price?
d) None of the above; what do you suggest?
Thanks so much for you help.

