Handling Rental Unit Cleanliness Issues: What You Can Do
The transition from tenant to non-tenant can sometimes be messy, with both parties having different expectations regarding the cleanliness of the rental unit. If tenants aren't cleaning and moving out, leaving the apartment in disarray, there are steps landlords may take. But when the matter involves a vacancy and the landlord is unwilling to clean, tenants have specific rights and responsibilities to address the situation.
Tenants' Liability and Responsibilities
The majority of rental agreements require tenants to leave the apartment in a clean and habitable condition upon moving out. Doing so ensures that the apartment meets the cleanliness standards expected by the landlord. Typically, if a tenant moves out in a worse condition than they found it, they have violated the lease agreement.
Most landlords will charge the security deposit for any cleaning that needs to be done. When the deposit is insufficient, the landlord may compensate for the additional costs. However, it's important to note that if the landlors don't provide a court order, they cannot prevent the cleaning based on previous tenants' actions.
Landlord's Responsibilities
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that the rental units are clean and habitable when new tenants move in. When vacant units are left in a dirty state, it reflects negatively on the property management and may even deter potential new tenants. It's the landlord's responsibility to address these issues, regardless of the previous tenant's actions.
If a landlord is unwilling to clean the unit, tenants can take several actions. Legal measures, such as contacting consumer protection agencies, can force the landlord to either clean or reimburse the tenant for cleaning services.
Tenant Actions and Recommendations
When faced with a dirty rental unit or a long-standing vacancy situation, tenants have several options to resolve the issue. Here are some steps you can take:
Document the Condition:Take detailed photographs or video to document the current state of the apartment. This evidence can be crucial when following up with the landlord or seeking legal intervention. Contact a Cleaning Service:Reach out to professional cleaning services like Molly Maid or similar providers. While this may require the tenant to bear some costs initially, professional cleaning services can ensure the apartment is ready for the next tenant or potential buyer. Negotiation and Communication:Try to negotiate with the landlord to find a mutually acceptable solution. However, if the landlord is unresponsive, this approach might not yield the desired results. Seek Legal Help:If negotiations and communication fail, it might be necessary to involve legal authorities or consumer protection agencies. These organizations can guide tenants on their rights and help enforce proper procedures.Ultimately, the responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of rental units lies with the landlord. Tenants should be informed that they have rights, and they should not bear the financial burden alone when dealing with dirty units.