Underlays

Does our landlord have the right to make us steam clean the carpets before we leave?

We're moving out at the end of the month and our landlord recently told us to steam clean the carpets (which were quite old before we got here) or else it was implied she would take it out of our security deposit. Our carpets are clean, have been vacuumed regularly, and we don't wear shoes in the house. Does the landlord have the right to demand this of us? Is it normal procedure for tenants to do this or is the landlord being unreasonable here?

Public Comments

1. You did not state where you live, so this is taken from the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board website. http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Law/STEL02_111323.html PART IV RESPONSIBILITIES OF TENANTS Tenant’s responsibility for cleanliness 33. The tenant is responsible for ordinary cleanliness of the rental unit, except to the extent that the tenancy agreement requires the landlord to clean it. 2006, c. 17, s. 33. I'd say steam cleaning is a bit outside of the realm of "ordinary cleanliness" and that if he insists upon it, then he should give you the request in writing so that you can properly discuss it with the board. You should also be aware of the following: PART VII RULES RELATING TO RENT General Rules Interest (6) A landlord of a rental unit shall pay interest to the tenant annually on the amount of the rent deposit at a rate equal to the guideline determined under section 120 that is in effect at the time payment becomes due. 2006, c. 17, s. 106 (6). Deduction of interest from rent (9) Where the landlord has failed to make the payment required by subsection (6) when it comes due, the tenant may deduct the amount of the payment from a subsequent rent payment. 2006, c. 17, s. 106 (9). Guideline (2) The guideline for a calendar year is the percentage change from year to year in the Consumer Price Index for Ontario for prices of goods and services as reported monthly by Statistics Canada, averaged over the 12-month period that ends at the end of May of the previous calendar year, rounded to the first decimal point. 2006, c. 17, s. 120 (2). So, depending on how long you've lived there, if you've never received an interest cheque from your landlord, then you are entitled to deduct the amount owing from your next payment. Regards, GCL
2. In California if it is in the rental agreement that the property is to be cleaned and carpets are to be cleaned by the tenant and you signed it then yes. However, if it is not in the rental agreement / lease agreement. After a year ( in California) your are not responsible for cleaning the carpets. You are responsible for non wear and tear to the carpets (carpet damage) such as pet urine, bleach, red stains rips and burns etc. We work with land lords, property managers and renters. We hear all the stories. Good Luck
3. She has no legal right to make you steam clean. It is doubly silly because you don't wear shoes. I think i would just do it and get a receipt. This is what will turn you into a homeowner instead of a renter n the future..