Property management tips – How to itemize security deposit deductions
If you have a tenant that’s going to be moving out of your rental property soon, there’s work that may need to be done at that property and you may have to use some of the funds from their security deposit.
Thankfully, you can avoid hassles or issues with your tenant if you know how to itemize security deposit deductions. Follow these tips for a hassle free security deposit return.
The Landlord’s Itemized Security Deposit Deductions List
While you can copy this list wholesale, we recommend paying attention to your own local market. If you know for a fact that your hardwood guy charges $1,000 per room, make that known to your tenant. The more accurate you can be now, the fewer surprised tenants you’ll deal with later.
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General cleaning and repairs
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop: $50
- Dust and wash trim: $25
- Wipe down walls: $25
- General labor (cleaning, painting, normal repairs, trash removal, etc.): $25–$40/hour
- Specialty labor (electric, drywall repair, plumbing, etc.): $70–$100/hour
Damages, repairs, and disposal
- Repair drywall
- 6′ by 6′ room: $75
- 12′ by 12′ room: $150
- Wash light fixture (each): $15
- Replace interior door: $100
- Replace exterior door: $250
- Clean ceiling fan: $25
- Change light bulb (each): $5
- Replace smoke detector batteries: $25
- Replace carbon monoxide detector batteries: $25
- Replace smoke detector: $75
- Replace carbon monoxide detector: $75
- Replace window blinds: $40
- Replace sliding door blinds: $60
- Carpet cleaning (normal): $150
- Carpet cleaning (deep clean): $200
- Carpet spot cleaning (each): $15
- Replace carpet (12′ by 12′ room): $500
- Replace wood, vinyl, laminate, etc. flooring (12′ by 12′ room): $500
- Repaint one room: $300
- Repair kitchen cabinet: $150
- Repair kitchen drawer: $150
- Wash window (including tracks, inside): $20
- Fill nail holes: $25
- Replace interior door knob: $25
- Replace exterior door lock: $50
- Pest or rodent extermination: $150
Exterior
- Trash removal (per load): $100
- Mow lawn: $35–$75
- Weed flower beds: $35–$100
Cleaning: Kitchen
- Clean kitchen (normal): $150
- Clean kitchen (deep): $300
- Oven and stove: $75
- Refrigerator: $75
- Dishwasher: $75
- Microwave: $25
- Cabinets: $200
- Countertops: $25
- Sweep and mop floors: $25
- Dust and wash trim: $15
- Wipe down walls: $25
- Drip pan replacement: $35
Cleaning: Living and dining room, office, and recreation room
- Cleaning (normal): $100
- Cleaning (deep): $200
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop: $50
- Dust and wash trim: $25
- Wipe down walls: $25
Cleaning: Bathrooms
- Cleaning (normal): $100
- Cleaning (deep): $200
- Bathtub or shower: $50
- Sink: $25
- Cabinet: $25
- Toilet: $25
- Sweep and mop floors: $25
- Dust and wash trim: $25
- Wipe down walls: $25
- Wipe down fixtures: $15
Cleaning: Bedrooms
- Cleaning (normal): $100
- Cleaning (deep): $200
Of course, make sure you add a caveat: “This list has been prepared for your information only. Actual charges will vary.”
Contact RPM Central Valley
For more property management tips, or to speak with us about our Central Valley, CA property management services, contact us today by calling (209) 572-2222 or click here.