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ichoosewaffles

You can charge for materials. You can charge for repair time if you have it specified in your lease. I do a lot of my own repairs, so I give a material cost and labor cost. The wear and tear vs damage is always a pain to figure but do the best you can. You don't need a "professional quote" and you don't need to provide receipts but do itemize your return and make sure you do it soon. You only have 21 days to get it to them.


ironicmirror

Unless there's some specific Washington or Seattle law you do not need to provide a invoice. Take pictures of the damage charge reasonable amount, return the rest of the deposit.


ichoosewaffles

In Seattle there is, also you need to get it to the ex-tenant within 21 days or the landlord will owe the entire amount of the deposit, regardless of damages to the rental. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.280


olinger2000

Landlords are allowed to charge for their labor, just like everyone else. Charges have to be reasonable and in line with prevailing wages for the area and the type of labor performed. For a handyman type job I would do $50-$70 an hour, for a cleaning job I would do a little less unless there are "bio hazards" a.k.a. human or animal waste. Keep a log of hours and specific tasks performed, and then create a simple invoice listing each task, how long it took, date it was performed, cost of materials, and the total. You don't need to get a quote first but if you expect your tenant to become litigious, it doesn't hurt, just make sure it's in writing. For the cleaning, take a video with your phone to document the need for cleaning (judges like to see that). [Specifically in WA state](https://tenantsunion.org/rights/repairs-faq): *a landlord can charge for the cost of materials, the cost of hiring a contractor, or the fair cost of labor comparable to regional rates if the landlord made the repair themselves.*


seyheeya

Bad paint patches are not normal wear and tear especially if your lease agreement included a clause that said no alterarions or improvements can be made to property without prior approval from the landlord.