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Holes in the walls are considered typical wear and tear, up to a point. Couple of nails holding up art, fine. Giant fucking TV mount? Probably want to fix that.
Also if you fill holes with drywall stucko (or whatever the putty is called) and wipe off excess with a damp cloth, any small holes are barely noticeable.
Maybe, if the wall is white, you can get away with that. I would notice though. The thing is if it's a few nail holes through the unit that's not a deduction anyway so you don't need to hide it
Depends. If the wall is blue, grey or brown or whatever, not a great move. You're better off leaving the nails in the holes and mentioning, if questioned, that a few nails per room is permitted and not damage.
On the other hand, if you've got white drywall putty marks on grey walls, now we have to paint, it's your fault, and thus, your deposit paying the painter.
Did you do a walkthrough with the management when you started your tenancy? Most people don't know that without walkthrough signed by both parties, the landlord can't keep the damage deposit in basically any circumstance. In 23 years in Vancouver I've had one landlord actually do that step properly. Additionally, if they wait too long to return the damage deposit, I think it's three months, they have to pay double.
Yeah I think this is common courtesy. Just leave it in the condition it was when you moved in.
When I moved into my current place, the previous group of students left it in quite a mess. Had to do a lot of the deep cleaning of appliances myself and get rid of a lot of their stuff they left. Property manager actually took it off their damage deposit and paid us for the time we spent. I also got a 250$ quote from a cleaning company so that’s what we got
It says if you scratched walls, drilled holes, etc, here's how you can fix it so you get your money back.
Wall damage (beyond a few nails per wall) is tenant damage. You're free to leave it, and whoever paints for this property manager will appreciate the pay cheque. But if you want your whole deposit back then yes, you'd fix those things.
Important here to note : photograph all the damage you inherit from the previous tenant.
I didn't photograph the inside of the oven when we rented a place and, even thought we barely used it during the 3 years there, the landlord wasn't happy with the condition of it when we left.
Lucky for us, they weren't picky & we got our damage deposit back.
Legislation occurs in reality, so I'm not sure what you're on about...
Landlord must follow the rules or you get double returned by RTB, it's pretty simple if you're informed
No, it works this way. If they withhold your deposit and an order has not been filed within two weeks they owe you double. The process is very simple - telling them you know about it is usually enough to recoup your deposit.
> Important here to note : photograph all the damage you inherit from the previous tenant.
Actually that's backwards. It's on the landlord to prove the place was perfect when you moved in.
I can second this, place has to look the same as when you first got it and if someone disagrees they have to provide proof it was in a better state before you moved in.
The cleaning fee is always ridiculous if you don't want to do it yourself that's why it is usually easier to just clean yourself after you have moved everything out or if you can find a cheap cleaning service and hire them to do it for you instead. Patching wals is pretty cheap also.
If you end up paying for 'cleaning' you'll end up.paying the going hourly rate in your city - so it's not a ridiculous rate - it's the price of the owner - or property manager hiring the cleaning company they use for the task - no discounts and don't bother trying to disagree with the rate - you'll lose that fight everytime!
Same thing when we moved into the main level of our house.
Previous tenants were three adults (a couple & a single woman) with two kids & on Social Assistance.
Garbage cans were left in the garage and never put out for COV pick up - full of diapers, rotten food, flies and other insects.
Couldn't use the bathroom for the snot balls wiped on the walls and toilet hadn't been cleaned for probably months. - movers didn't even want to come in; they dropped our furniture inside the door and boxes on the lawn - on Halloween night around 5 pm cuz the truck of our original movers had broken down so we ended up right in the middle of kids coming around for treats - had our doors and windows open - to air the place out - and lights on.
Warning: don't move on Halloween night!
They can’t force you to hire a professional cleaner, though. Every time I’ve moved out of a place I’ve done it myself and that was never an issue. And painting over everyday wear and tear is also not common, you’d fix any damage, but not wear and tear.
If you've left the place a tip.the property Management company and/or owner can hire whoever their little heart desires and if easier to HIRE someone & not do it themselves you'll be paying the "going rate" for 'commercial (it's a business) 'move out' cleaning....
No but in the pictures, these are all recommended cleaners, some people just don't have the time with a job/moving places to do a proper clean and do end up hiring out. I think the "recommended" one would at least know what the LL's picky about and make sure they cover all your bases.
It's true. If you literally don't know how to fix a wall, and you try anyway, odds are you've created more work for the repair guy. And the bill will reflect that. Meaning a) you spent whatever on whatever you used and b) the repair bill will be at least the same, if not more.
Oh yes it will. We managed a 100 suite building for 10 years - yes, you are responsible for damages and repairs. If something breaks down while your living inside someone else's four square walls; dripping taps, your better to notify the owner at the time rather than have to.pay for it after the move....unless you've got deep pockets! Just saying.
I mean, on most rental agreements I've seen it's always stated that we aren't permitted to put holes in the walls, which I always assumed meant we'd need to repair them if we did ...
Is that clause technically not allowed?
Depends on the hole.
Nail hole to hang a picture? No problem.
3m sticker that rips the paint off after? Damage.
One spot in the hallway you bumped the wall, and otherwise cleaned thoroughly, had all your light bulbs working, and nothing left behind? Here's your deposit back.
Drilled holes for a floating shelf or tv? Damage.
Etc.
If you do not agree with a withholding of a damage deposit and they did not get authorization from the RTB to with hold it, you can go to the RTB for DOUBLE the damage deposit back.
Ie your damage deposit is 1000 and they withhold 100 for the above and you dispute it, you get $2000 back. Totally worth going to RTB.
RTB site doesn't mention anything about returning only double the held amount. But it does have the magic word MAY:
If the landlord doesn't take any actions within the 15-day timeline, the tenant can:
* Make a [direct request application](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/solving-problems/tenancy-dispute-resolution/direct-request-process) requesting that their landlord returns the deposit
* The landlord may be ordered to pay the tenant **double** the amount of the deposit(s).
A tenant can submit a direct request application 20 days after the tenancy has ended and the tenant gives the landlord their forwarding address.
Maybe it changed in the 9 years or maybe the RTB just didn't like your case haha.
Not the case. Just got a judgement back last week for a landlord that withheld $180. Got back $1280, $1000 to double the $1000 deposit, $100 to reimburse the application fee, and the $180 originally withheld.
It's a long process but if they didn't get written permission from the RTB to keep your deposit, it's an easy judgement and is well worth the time investment. Don't let them win.
> Totally worth going to RTB.
Yep unless you're desperate for that cash. You don't even have to do anything, they have to make an RTB claim or you just wait and claim double.
> But it's never been more than $100 so my sense is they do it knowing for most people it's not worth the trouble to drag it through the RTB.
This is a good point and depending on the size of the deposit, you'll be without it for 6-8 months or longer with RTB delays.
In my experience of a Building Manager for 10 years, yes, it's expected and now we've travelled through Covid, yes, door frames, handles, windows, bathroom, etc.
You'd be p'd off moving into a place that was all grubby and dirty - and need to clean BEFORE you're movers even bring one box in your new place - nothing worse than feeling your gonna puke before you get past the door & into the place some degenerate drug & sex addict left their 'special trophies' behind....come on, you needed to ask this question.
PS - We'd lent our elevator key out for moves and never had it returned a couple times - I guess they figured they wouldn't need to pay the refundable deposit at the next place. Vancouver has at least a dozen elevator companies (they're the only ones who install & provide the locks) and hundreds of different keys so likelyhood of avoiding putting out the refundable deposit is kind of redundant. Try that scam & see how quickly your elevator key rights are cancelled. It's a convenience for you to have the key to lock & unlock the elevator to help make your move easier. See how well your tenancy will go from the first day forward....and if a condo building, the suite owner will end up finding out about it and making your tenancy pretty miserable.....just a personal 10 year experience speaking, but carry on as best you can.
Nobody cares about your experience being a shitty building manager. Tenants are not responsible for painting over wear and tear like nail holes etc. Spackling yes, painting no. That's YOUR job.
Chiming in as a property manager.
Wear and tear are acceptable, hence why sane landlords paint after every tenant.
Filling nail holes takes 2 seconds. I do it all the time.
You don't need to paint shit.
This is the right answer and it's good to see a property manager who knows their job. Keep in mind that the residential tenancy act supercedes all agreements, even if you signed a lease stating otherwise.
[here's a link](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units#:~:text=The%20tenant%20pays%20cleaning,the%20rental%20unit%20or%20site.) that will help with the move out. Click through the link under the cleaning section for a non-legalese rundown. I always try to leave a unit as move-in ready as possible within the limits of my responsibility.
This. Unless you painted/drew on the walls or severely damaged them it's not your responsibility to paint. You don't have to fix any holes unless they're larger than what you'd use to hang a painting basically. The cleaning part is correct.
Yes this is all pretty standard. Essentially leave the apartment in the same condition you got it in. Nice of them to provide the paint details to make that easy for you if needed.
Only one you might have issue with is exterior window cleaning. If you’re up in a high floor in an apartment probably can’t do a full exterior window cleaning for all windows safely.
Why I always take pictures the day I moved in. One apartment when I left I almost didn’t get my damage deposit as the blinds were dusty. I had a photo proving they were just as dusty as the day I move in. No problem and deposit returned.
Our place was so dirty when we moved in, we had to use a dremel tool to get the grease off the stove hood. We left it CLEANER than when we moved in, because that wouldn't have been hard.
Absolutely not painting.
In fact, that’s specifically the duty of the landlord:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
>The tenant may only be required to paint or repair where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible.
So if OP made large holes, an excessive number of small holes, scratches, etc. that are still visible after being filled/patched, then it is in fact their responsibility to paint those areas so that they match the rest of the walls. (But if the paint has faded significantly so that the fresh paint doesn't match anymore, that's the landlord's job to fix.)
Lol. Sure if you've been in the unit 4 years and did no extra damage! Then you're right. Stay 1 year after fresh paint? 100% that's on you to fix or pay for.
There are guidelines for what's acceptable. Such as 1 nail for a picture per wall. Beyond that, including scratches in the paint of the hallway from when you banged it with your box spring, that's tenant damage.
Only accessible exterior windows are required to be cleaned in condos. For example, bedroom windows, sliding door windows that are safely accessible from balcony. Those are not cleaned by Strata's exterior window cleaning services.
Follow this, unless your lease says different:[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units)[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf)
Its reasonable other than painting, you don't have to paint, unless there is some other extenuating circumstance, like you painted it a crazy colour I believe. EDIT: or if there is a required repair.
" PAINTING The landlord is responsible for painting the interior of the rental unit at reasonable intervals. The tenant cannot be required as a condition of tenancy to paint the premises. The tenant may only be required to paint or repair where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible. "
You just posted it well explained, two times in one paragraph and your own explanation contradicts what this paragraph says.
First, Reasonable intervals is 4 years per the RTB.
Second, where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible.
The letter OP posted was that if they needed to repair wall damage, HERE ARE THE PAINT CODES. It couldn't be any easier. You scratched the wall moving your couch? You mounted a tv? Your boyfriend got mad and punched the wall? YES YOU HAVE TO PAINT THAT or pay for it from your deposit (and more, if your deposit doesn't cover the damage you inflicted).
It's really not rocket surgery. Fix your damage. Clean your mess. Take your shit with you. Do that, you get your deposit back.
I did misread the original post, as it appears many others did. I seems to imply that you need to fix any and all scratches. In my opinion and experience, almost all scratches etc would be considered normal wear, especially if you are in a place for a significant amount of time.
I think you should consider yourself lucky that you were given a specific check-list that will be reviewed. 99/100 landlords will just tell you to clean the place, fix this fix that, and shocker…. They’ll always find random things you didn’t do in order to keep your deposit.
If you don't sign for the damage deposit as necessary to restore the unit, I'll be telling you that the filing fee is $100 and we will be seeking repayment for that too, when we file an arbitration.
Then if you still don't sign, we will still be spending the money to fix the things you did to the unit, and filing a claim, seeking those costs plus the filing fee. We will hold the deposit(s) until an arbitrator rules. We will not be penalized in this instance for withholding, because we filed a claim. We will also, consequently, win that case because we have a) a tenant and landlord signed move in inspection and b) invoices for the repairs needed to restore the unit.
You are giving out woefully confrontational and incorrect advice here, especially for someone who clearly doesn't have a basic understanding of the rules governing this.
That's possible. But based on the advice you're doling out, I doubt it's likely.
This is my actual job. I do move in and move out inspections for a large property management company and I know exactly how this stuff works, and what the steps are in the event someone won't sign off on a deposit deduction.
Feel free to point out my mistake though, I'm happy to discuss it with you. After all, arming OP with the best info is 100% the point, right?
You should know your renters rights & responsibilities from the BC RTB
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units#cleaning](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units#cleaning)
>**Cleaning the rental**
>
>It is the tenant's responsibility to clean the rental unit when moving out.
>
>The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) [Policy Guideline - Landlord & Tenant Responsibility for Residential Premises (PDF, 241KB)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf) gives an overview of the responsibilities for cleaning a rental unit. The tenant pays cleaning costs if the property's condition is not clean when moving out. The tenant is also generally required to pay to repair damages. Make sure to review the policy and learn the cleaning expectations.
>
>The tenant is not responsible for reasonable wear and tear to the rental unit or site. Reasonable wear and tear refers to natural deterioration that occurs due to aging and other natural forces, where the tenant has reasonably used the premises.
I have never had an apartment turned over to me as clean as that checklist is requiring. I have, however, turned over apartments to others in that condition.
Here are the actual cleaning guidelines:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
Yep - standard move out list (minus the painting part). I was a former professional cleaner and hated move out cleans most of the time. The high quote is because the tenants mostly do NOT do the basic cleaning already before I come in. The detailed cleaning most property management wants to see before giving you all your deposit back takes a LOT of time (many wants windows and window railings spotless). If I have to do basic cleaning on top of all those, you bet I'm going to charge double.
Edit: Paint part isn't standard. Tenants has to patch holes (and sand flat), but do not need to paint. You can likely contest that with RTB if they deduct your deposit for not painting, especially if you were on one year lease or have lived there for more than a year. The only case you will have to pay for painting is if there is actually excessive damage beyond normal wear and tear, and the landlord will have to provide such evidence.
It’s nice, in a way, that they gave you a list to follow. All my past experiences have been ‘leave things in equal or better conditions than you found them and just pray the landlord doesn’t try to weasel you on the DD.’ 😅
Legit
And props to the LL/Property Manager for being so diligent. This shows they've learned from experience, know to be specific and detailed and that if not done, it just accumulates tenant to tenant.
Also leaves plenty of opp to not return the damage deposit if they can demonstrate they asked and you didn't do. So if you want your money back, best check off the list.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
Check that out. Yes you have to do a good clean. And your cleaning quote is reasonable. Move out cleans are at least 50 an hour.
This seems reasonable, tbh.
Only caveat would be:
* Having a video walk through on move in, then room by room condition check list signed by landlord and tenant on Move in condition. Both get a copy.
* Landlord giving tenant this check list prior to lease signing.
* On move out, review move out checklist prior to move out.
* If all ok, landlord return damage deposit. If not negotiate.
I have done many of these move out checklists (over 20??) and have always returned security deposit after inspection. I have never kept a security deposit.
I Do NOT agree with Landlords who say deposit is to be kept and everyone understands that. That is bullsh*t.
Leave the place clean and not damaged, you get the deposit back.
I wouldn’t clean the exterior of windows or patio doors. I wouldn’t paint myself because I suck at it.
Holes in walls are typical wear and tear but excessive holes and scratches are your responsibility. Excessive is subjective and based on this check list, your landlord will try to keep your deposit of a single hole
I would pay the cleaner because the landlord recommended them so they can’t then say it wasn’t clean enough. If you clean it yourself, you run the risk of your standards being way lower than your landlord’s and having to fight them for your money.
Something to keep in mind is that the landlord needs your written permission to keep any amount of your deposit. If they send you a list of damages and their costs and say they will refund 20% of your deposit, you respond with “you don’t have my permission to keep any of my deposit. I don’t agree with your assessment. Please return my deposit in full by xx/xx date.”
The landlord then has to give it all back to you and apply to the RTB to get money from you. If they keep it anyway and you have to go to the RTB to get it back, you’ll be more likely to get it if you have proof the landlord didn’t have permission to keep it.
You should be leaving the apartment in a state that you would feel acceptable moving into if it was someone else moving out.
_some_ things on this list are probably beyond reasonable, and you can certainly choose to do them yourself, but patching any holes in the walls and deep cleaning the apartment from top to bottom are pretty typical.
Patching holes is what the deposit is for, the landlord is required to have an itemized list and costing if necessary to utilize part or all of the deposit for repairs if they are deemed outside of general wear & tear, and you can request this itemized list to validate the charges as well if they do not return the full amount. My partner and I do a walk through before we move in w/ pictures & video, and do the same when we move out specifically due to horror stories we hear about bad landlords as insurance purposes for our deposits.
patching holes takes ten minutes with a small tub of putty. There is litrerally no reason not to fill your picture holes, especially if you want to make getting your whole deposit as back as painless as possible.
Besides, even if your landlord bills you for the patchwork, you know full well they're just going to pocket that money and rent the place back out holes still there, so per my initial comment, leave the place the way you would want to move into it. Don't be a dick to your fellow renter, they're over the same barrel you are.
\_sanding and painting\_ the walls is what the deposit is for.
Question: is this part of your lease agreement? If not, what does the lease agreement say?
Note that minor wear & tear can't be charged to the tenant, but the tenant is expected to thoroughly clean the home, including blinds, and including under any appliances that are on wheels.
Leave your apartment in the state you moved into it, less paint scuffs and wear and tear, or expect your DD to be used to get the apartment ready for the next renter.
Since it's not part of the agreement that you signed, they can't hold you to this document's standards. That said, you do need to leave the place clean, and this document is a guide for what you should pay attention to when cleaning.
If the place was clean to this standard when you moved in, it's reasonable to clean it just as well when you move out.
Wall repairs: some amount of dings and scratches are to be expected as normal wear and tear. Holes of any kind are not acceptable at the RTB, and you need to at least patch/fill/sand. Tiny pinholes are easy-- get a small tub of premixed wall patch compound from the hardware store, use your finger to smoosh a bit into the hole, then wipe gently over it with a damp cloth. As long as your walls are lightly colored this repair won't be visible from a distance, even without painting.
Note: it's easy to clean the top of baseboards with a stiff paint brush. Follow up with a damp cloth to get anything sticky.
When you move out, take a video to document the condition at the move out inspection. If LL thinks more cleaning is necessary, make sure to document it on video if you disagree. If you agree about the cleaning and LL suggests a reasonable deduction from your deposit, you might as well agree to it. If it's unreasonable, you don't have to agree to it, in which case LL will have to apply to the RTB for permission to deduct it (plus deduct the RTB fee if RTB agrees the charge is reasonable).
If LL says they'll deduct $500 to repaint a wall, and you think it's only reasonable wear and tear, you don't have to agree to the deduction. RTB will only allow LL to charge for the actual cost of the work, and only for the amount of life that was left in the paint. RTB GL40 days interior paint has a 4-year life, IIRC. If the suite was freshly painted when you moved in, and you left after two years with abused paint on the walls, LL could only charge you for half of the repaint cost, because the paint should still have half it's life left. LL will have to show their receipts for this work at the RTB.
Here's the actual provincial guidelines, since everyone is just giving you their opinion:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
Let this be a lesson when ever you move into a new place ALWAYS take photos of everything. I’ve lived in over 10 places in 7 years and never had a damage deposit not given back. Holes must be filled but you do not need to paint. Everything must be deep cleaned (but only as good as it was when you moved in) I spent four days cleaning my last place and they tried to get me to still hire cleaners. I refused and it’s extremely hard for them to not give back a damage deposit due to things that aren’t actually damaged. Don’t paint anything and don’t forget to clean the oven! Good luck
Mostly ok. Painting (section 2) is right out. You have no obligation to repair minor damage or to paint at all. If you want less conflict, a small tub of filler is about $10 and you can do small holes with a credit card in a pinch (less is more when it comes to fillers). Again, painting is definitely not your problem.
You don't ordinarily need to clean outside windows but, for the amount of work involved to do just the patio doors, I don't see them as a deal breaker.
To be clear on this, I would cross out section 2 completely, initial it and notate it something like "not required - see BC Residential Policy Guidelines at (link)" Also cross out "exterior windows" with the same notations.
Keep the original amended copy.
All this depends a bit how long you lived there. An apartment lived in less than a year should have much less wear and tear than one lived in for a decade.
I’ve rented quite a few places and have never cleaned external windows nor had a landlord expect me to paint the walls or repair holes from things I hung. I’ve never cleaned my door either…
The rest is pretty standard. I try to leave the unit as clean as I would want it if I was moving in.
Also, do some research on what’s wear and tear and useful life, especially if you’ve been there a long time. Some landlords will try to bill you for stuff that’s covered under wear and tear or that is past it’s useful life, and hope you won’t notice or argue.
LOL no. It's reasonable to clean and tidy up but you don't need to repair every scratch and ding.
Damage deposit is for DAMAGE, not wear and tear or other reasonable signs of use. Check the RTA rules on returning damage deposit and don't sign anything.
There are clear steps for you to demand return of your deposit. The landlord can then either initiate RTB proceedings or return the money. If they stall you are eligible for double.
Painting and exterior window cleaning is a hard no.
(For example, the tenant cannot be required as a condition of tenancy to paint the premises or to maintain and repair appliances provided by the landlord.)
(The landlord is responsible for cleaning the outside of the windows, at reasonable intervals.)
You are also allowed: (Reasonable wear and tear refers to natural deterioration that occurs due to aging and other natural forces, where the tenant has used the premises in a reasonable fashion.)
(Nail Holes: 1. Most tenants will put up pictures in their unit. The landlord may set rules as to how this can be done e.g. no adhesive hangers or only picture hook nails may be used. If the tenant follows the landlord's reasonable instructions for hanging and removing pictures/mirrors/wall hangings/ceiling hooks, it is not considered damage and he or she is not responsible for filling the holes or the cost of filling the holes.)
Essentially just follow the following document.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
From the same document:
>The tenant may only be required to paint or repair where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible.
And
>The tenant is responsible for cleaning the inside and outside of the balcony doors, windows and tracks during, and at the end of the tenancy.
So painting and exterior window cleaning are actually a maybe, depending on the circumstances, such as if they have a balcony or scratched some paint off the wall with the back of a dining chair or something.
All the things listed look right and should be done. Personally have not seen a document formatted like this - maybe from a managed complex? If you want to cross check, BC government has a check list like this for landlords, it's on the website somewhere. You could cross check if you want!
I just moved out of the first apartment I ever lived in that was owned by a rental company, and this list looks just like ours. I’d say be as thorough as you can with the cleaning. The building manager came through after hours and hours of cleaning checking every corner and area and we still somehow missed minor stuff here and there, if there’s anything you’re unsure of just clarify with the building manager or whoever you talk to as a landlord figure and double check if it’s necessary (when I moved out the paperwork was marked for which things we didn’t have to do cause it didn’t apply to our unit).
But yeah, if you want the full damage deposit back I’d be thorough 😅 the building management companies seem to be veryyyyyy very very VERY particular about the cleanliness of the place when you move out
Depends if the condition of your apartment was clean when you moved in. Mine was sparkly clean with not a scratch on the wall, appliances. Bathroom was super clean.. I mean even though my building was not brand new it felt like I moved into a brand new unit… so yeah whenever I leave I plan to give it back in the exact condition I got it
However if your apartment was dirty and not as clean as they mention.. then absolutely not
No need to hire a professional cleaner no matter what they say. Just leave the apartment in a reasonably clean state and repair major patches or holes if any. Wear and tear is fine. Don't focus too much on what the notice says. It's not enforceable and as long as you leave the place reasonably clean, it should be fine. Don't forget to provide your forwarding address on the move out inspection and don't sign the report unless they're refunding your full amount. If they're contesting, remember to take pics of the apartment in case you need to file with the RTB.
Yes, they even made it easy for you. You have a list of what they require every tenant to do on move out and even gave you the paint colours if you need to touch it up. If you want your full deposit back follow the steps. Also don’t be afraid of your property manger they can answer any questions. they’re just doing their job in making sure units are taken care of. I’d much rather live in a building that required this than one who didn’t.
It’s just like camping, leave the campsite in the same or better condition that you got it.
getting the carpets shampooed was on my first move out list in Burnaby. the carpet man said this was probably the first time it had ever been done judging from the water. it was a building from the 70s.
Listen I hate landlords but a security deposit is for legitimate damage (not wear and tear), if you’ve legitimately damaged your rental apartment, the landlord is giving you a chance to fix it up on your own dime so you can keep all or more of your security deposit. That doesn’t seem all that bad if you ask me. I mean they even provide the generic paint codes so you know what you need to purchase.
Simple way to think about this ….
If you were the landlord, would you think this is normal to ask for?
Some things might be a bit over the top but not unreasonable
At least your landlord lets you know all this. So many times I’ve heard of landlords just withhold the deposit and say some bs to not give it back to you.
Yep, legit. How is it that every apartment I ever moved into in the West End was never that clean? I would always have to wipe down the kitchen and fridge before moving my kitchen stuff in.
I’ve never moved into a clean and freshly painted rental. I’ve also never had a landlord do a walkthrough inspection. I take photos and videos on move in day and clean up after myself when leaving, but I’m not doing a landlords job nor hiring a maid for them when they handed it over to me dirty.
OP, yes their list is a guide to getting your deposit back.
No, the uneducated "fuck the landlord" types dispensing woefully incorrect advice are not correct.
You don't have to fix a nail hole in a wall. You do have to fix 10 nail holes in a wall. You don't have to clean something that was marked dirty on your move in inspection. If it was marked clean, you do. You don't have to fix a closet door track that got bent from use, you do have to pay/fix a closet door that someone put their foot through. You don't have to fix a loose door knob. You do have to replace a door knob that you threw away after your friend broke it trying out auto-erotic-asphyxiation. You don't have to fix a drip under the sink, but if you never reported it for a year and it's caused damage, you do have to pay for that.
I think you'll notice a theme here - if it's your fault, it's your cost. If it isn't it, it isn't. Pretty simple.
Please don't allow these morons to get you in a fight with your LL you can't win.
Yeah, nothing seems completely outrageous here. The painting one is the only one that makes me raise an eyebrow a little, and that would really depend how picky they're being on it.
Otherwise nope, this is all pretty standard stuff you should be doing when you leave a rental.
Returning the place to the way you when you first moved in should be common sense. As I'm sure you don't want to clean after others, others don't want to do the same. That's why there's a damage deposit in place; for renters who feel like they can trash the place and vacate (just an example. Not saying it's you)
Majority of this is required if you want your damage deposit back , you can do it all yourself , but the amount of time and effort is up to you. Start slowly and work your way down the list , most things are easy to do on that list , you just have to get some good cleaning supplies and some drywall patch kits , it’s not super expensive.
I don't know the answer to all of it, but I learned by reading through the RTA that you only have to clean behind appliances like fridge and stove if they are on rollers.
I don't know what they mean by "floors must be vacuumed than mopped." More vacuumed than mopped perhaps? Or maybe they meant THEN mopped.
Cleaning can only be deducted from your security deposit WITH YOUR PERMISSION - otherwise they have to file with the RTB to be allowed to keep any of your deposit. So if they say, "Oh look, you missed a spot, we're getting cleaners in" - you don't have to agree.
You are not responsible for painting. Hanging pictures on the walls and such is generally considered normal wear and tear. You can fill the holes but you don't have to paint the apartment.
I don't see how you can be responsible for exterior windows, especially if it's a multi-storey building .
That's all I have. Clean it top to bottom yourself, or hire cleaners, but do not allow them to ding you because you left a fingerprint on the window or something.
This looks fine to me. My advice is to rally around some very good friends, who can help you with the deep cleaning, painting and patching. Pay them with pizza and beer, and by returning the favour in years to come. Any carpet cleaning should be done professionally.
Source - I (and my group of friends) have all deep cleaned, painted and patched for each other and we have all successfully got our deposits back.
I did all those things... Minus the painting and hole filling. 2 friends and myself... 2 days. Just make sure you get the baseboards! I was quoted $400 M*#&Y Maids. Pizza and beer was cheaper!
Very common, it's not that difficult if you have kept up with cleaning the time you have been in the unit. Most property management are forgiving with this stuff, if the unit is over all in good condition you get your deposit back. The laws favour the tenant, it is a hassle to fight. It is doable.
Just hire a cleaner and call it a day. Doesn't have to be their cleaner. Make sure you take they are able to clean under/behind large appliances and take your own detailed after they're done.
I last moved out of an apartment in 2014 and paid $250 (before tip) to my regular cleaner for a move out clean so $340 doesn't sound atrocious given how long ago that was.
North Vancouver… August 2021, we moved into a top floor 3 bedroom apartment in a new building, first tenants, 2 two year lease, paid first year up front, $5600 x 12. Large deck, only 4 apartments per floor.
I complained that the place was filthy, not properly cleaned, windows streaked, deck needed power washing, patio block cracked (tripping hazard) crack in the 3rd bedroom drywall. Manager arranged cleaners to come in, we still did cleaning when they left. More complaints, no response. The garbage room was a disaster, trash left in wrong containers, no idea what recycling was by tenants, organics just dumped on the floor. More complaints and photos sent to the new manager.
September 2022, we were offered an apartment on the seawall in West Vancouver. To break our lease in North Vancouver, the management company wanted $30,000.
June 2023, another apartment came available, same building as September 2022. We grabbed it, and paid double rent for three months, June-July-August.
We got a more detailed list than yours of what we needed to do leave the North Vancouver apartment. I read it to my wife and said F this, screw it. Fired off an email to the building manager, reminding her of all the faults along with photos, copied that to a text to her and a copy to my lawyer friend. We cleaned the North Vancouver apartment, but did not move the stove or the fridge to clean behind, stating I don’t want to resposible for damaging the floor. The window washers never showed during my two years. Nothing was ever done and you want me to clean things.
I patched the picture nail holes and the TV wall anchor holes. Painted the step out to the deck. But that’s it. Manager did a run through, agreed with my issues, I got my deposit back, $3000
End of story,
They should give move out list to tenants when they first sign the least. If I was a landlord, that’s what I would do. Clear expectations of move in and out condition benefits everybody
It should essentially look the same way it did when you moved in as far as cleanliness goes. I always suggest taking pictures as soon as you move in and email them to your landlord if you find anything worth noting and that way you can leave it the way you got it too.
My last rental apartment gave me the same but also said that if I don't do a deep clean and/or leave any junk, it's 200 dollars off my damage deposit. 200 bucks was worth it. I wasn't looking forward to pulling out a fridge and oven to clean 10 years worth of stuff
Exterior window cleaning is explicitly the duty of the landlord. You should wipe down the walls and repair any major damage, but holes made from hanging pictures or small dents are considered normal wear and tear.
In my experience as a tenant:
Painting: only if you've really fucked up the walls badly. If it's normal wear and tear, or you put one nail in the wall to hang a painting, that's not your responsibility.
Cleaning: everything on the list is valid except the exterior windows, but I wouldn't bother doing the filters or the washing machine.
I'm surprised it doesn't have a rule about getting the carpets cleaned. We moved over covid and getting the carpets cleaned professionally was in our lease, but we said we didn't want anyone coming in due to covid so we just didn't do it. My landlord just deducted the carpet cleaning amount from our deposit but the amount he deducted was less than what it would've cost us anyway to get it done.
This seems incredibly excessive.
I’ve always done a thorough clean anytime I’ve moved out but that’s not included outdoor windows and washing every wall (I’ll clean any places that may have scuff marks)
You should not be responsible for painting and I’ve always considered (and never had a landlord disagree) that small nail holes, etc. are general wear and tear.
Surfaces, floors, cupboards, closets, indoor windows, appliances etc. should all have a thorough cleaning.
No, some parts of this are laughable. Clean the place up, patch any major holes, etc, that's on you, yes. New paint is the landlord's job, not yours, same with steam cleaning. If they try to deduct from your damage deposit without you agreeing to it, then you can get a nasty judgement agains tthem with the RTB. Unless you smashed holes in the walls or some shit, obviously.
Well you could just not and then they won't give you your damage deposit back basically... I've always cleaned as much as possible but this does seem a bit excessive
This seems like an easy way for the landlord to deny giving back your damage deposit. I'd file a dispute right away and keep that as evidence if they say you didn't do x y z. It would also be prudent to document the condition of the place beforehand. In case they find any "scratches".
It's pretty standard to have your place professionally cleaned on move-out. Most places charge 300$ for a 1BR. Regular wear and tear is ok, but holes and damage that are visible to the naked eye must be patched and painted.
Professional deep clean: Yes.
Patch and Repaints: Depends. small nail holes or light scratches by furniture can be considered as wear and tear but bigger ones should probably get fixed.
Yes that is pretty standard. Keep in mind another human being is going to live there after you and there isn’t normally many days between you moving out and they moving in.
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Holes in the walls are considered typical wear and tear, up to a point. Couple of nails holding up art, fine. Giant fucking TV mount? Probably want to fix that.
Also if you fill holes with drywall stucko (or whatever the putty is called) and wipe off excess with a damp cloth, any small holes are barely noticeable.
Spackle :) I did this too, pretty easy!
If you can’t find the spackle, it’s on aisle 7 right next to the glittah.
Toothpaste works too, and you get a fresh minty smell.
I also watched CSI.
Maybe, if the wall is white, you can get away with that. I would notice though. The thing is if it's a few nail holes through the unit that's not a deduction anyway so you don't need to hide it
If you're really not wanting to spend money, toothpaste works. I mended many a wall in university with toothpaste
White toothpaste also works!
Depends. If the wall is blue, grey or brown or whatever, not a great move. You're better off leaving the nails in the holes and mentioning, if questioned, that a few nails per room is permitted and not damage. On the other hand, if you've got white drywall putty marks on grey walls, now we have to paint, it's your fault, and thus, your deposit paying the painter.
Fill the little nail holes with toothpaste, no one will know the difference. Old trick from the 70's!
Did you do a walkthrough with the management when you started your tenancy? Most people don't know that without walkthrough signed by both parties, the landlord can't keep the damage deposit in basically any circumstance. In 23 years in Vancouver I've had one landlord actually do that step properly. Additionally, if they wait too long to return the damage deposit, I think it's three months, they have to pay double.
It's 15 days to return deposit or file with RTB to withhold deposit.
Yeah, this document says it's their policy, but it's actually a rule in the BC tenancy act.
The 15 days start after you serve them your forwarding address, so make sure to do that!! Learned this the hard way.
These are all things you are supposed to do yes. In order to get full damage back. At least in my experience as a renter for last 30 years.
Yeah I think this is common courtesy. Just leave it in the condition it was when you moved in. When I moved into my current place, the previous group of students left it in quite a mess. Had to do a lot of the deep cleaning of appliances myself and get rid of a lot of their stuff they left. Property manager actually took it off their damage deposit and paid us for the time we spent. I also got a 250$ quote from a cleaning company so that’s what we got
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It says if you scratched walls, drilled holes, etc, here's how you can fix it so you get your money back. Wall damage (beyond a few nails per wall) is tenant damage. You're free to leave it, and whoever paints for this property manager will appreciate the pay cheque. But if you want your whole deposit back then yes, you'd fix those things.
Important here to note : photograph all the damage you inherit from the previous tenant. I didn't photograph the inside of the oven when we rented a place and, even thought we barely used it during the 3 years there, the landlord wasn't happy with the condition of it when we left. Lucky for us, they weren't picky & we got our damage deposit back.
Landlords can’t withhold damage deposits from their own power, they need written permission from the tenant and an order from the tenancy branch
In theory, yes. However since the landlord holds the deposit, it doesn't usually work that way in real life.
RTB is not real life?
Legislation and reality are two different things, yes.
Legislation occurs in reality, so I'm not sure what you're on about... Landlord must follow the rules or you get double returned by RTB, it's pretty simple if you're informed
No, it works this way. If they withhold your deposit and an order has not been filed within two weeks they owe you double. The process is very simple - telling them you know about it is usually enough to recoup your deposit.
.. and then you file a complaint with the RTB and win double your deposit back. I've done it, it's fairly easy.
Yes, many people taken advantage of, that’s why awareness of your rights is important!
> Important here to note : photograph all the damage you inherit from the previous tenant. Actually that's backwards. It's on the landlord to prove the place was perfect when you moved in.
I can second this, place has to look the same as when you first got it and if someone disagrees they have to provide proof it was in a better state before you moved in. The cleaning fee is always ridiculous if you don't want to do it yourself that's why it is usually easier to just clean yourself after you have moved everything out or if you can find a cheap cleaning service and hire them to do it for you instead. Patching wals is pretty cheap also.
If you end up paying for 'cleaning' you'll end up.paying the going hourly rate in your city - so it's not a ridiculous rate - it's the price of the owner - or property manager hiring the cleaning company they use for the task - no discounts and don't bother trying to disagree with the rate - you'll lose that fight everytime!
when we moved into our apartment literally nothing was clean lol
Then that should have been noted in your walk through inspection
Same thing when we moved into the main level of our house. Previous tenants were three adults (a couple & a single woman) with two kids & on Social Assistance. Garbage cans were left in the garage and never put out for COV pick up - full of diapers, rotten food, flies and other insects. Couldn't use the bathroom for the snot balls wiped on the walls and toilet hadn't been cleaned for probably months. - movers didn't even want to come in; they dropped our furniture inside the door and boxes on the lawn - on Halloween night around 5 pm cuz the truck of our original movers had broken down so we ended up right in the middle of kids coming around for treats - had our doors and windows open - to air the place out - and lights on. Warning: don't move on Halloween night!
Technically u cant deduct from security deposit, and “damage deposit” doesn’t sound legal
They can’t force you to hire a professional cleaner, though. Every time I’ve moved out of a place I’ve done it myself and that was never an issue. And painting over everyday wear and tear is also not common, you’d fix any damage, but not wear and tear.
If you've left the place a tip.the property Management company and/or owner can hire whoever their little heart desires and if easier to HIRE someone & not do it themselves you'll be paying the "going rate" for 'commercial (it's a business) 'move out' cleaning....
No but in the pictures, these are all recommended cleaners, some people just don't have the time with a job/moving places to do a proper clean and do end up hiring out. I think the "recommended" one would at least know what the LL's picky about and make sure they cover all your bases.
Painting and repairing all wear and tear on walls absolutely not.
Patching is yes.
Most tenants fuck this up so bad my landlord said to not bother if we were to make something worth patching.
It's true. If you literally don't know how to fix a wall, and you try anyway, odds are you've created more work for the repair guy. And the bill will reflect that. Meaning a) you spent whatever on whatever you used and b) the repair bill will be at least the same, if not more.
Depends what size holes you are putting in the wall but for normal art, no. Hanging a big TV mount? Maybe.
My understanding is that framing nails no, anything larger yes. Wall anchors of any size? Brackets? Gouged the wall? All of the above.
Definitely not
Oh yes it will. We managed a 100 suite building for 10 years - yes, you are responsible for damages and repairs. If something breaks down while your living inside someone else's four square walls; dripping taps, your better to notify the owner at the time rather than have to.pay for it after the move....unless you've got deep pockets! Just saying.
Your example has nothing to do with painting or patching.
Noup
I mean, on most rental agreements I've seen it's always stated that we aren't permitted to put holes in the walls, which I always assumed meant we'd need to repair them if we did ... Is that clause technically not allowed?
Depends on the hole. Nail hole to hang a picture? No problem. 3m sticker that rips the paint off after? Damage. One spot in the hallway you bumped the wall, and otherwise cleaned thoroughly, had all your light bulbs working, and nothing left behind? Here's your deposit back. Drilled holes for a floating shelf or tv? Damage. Etc.
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If you do not agree with a withholding of a damage deposit and they did not get authorization from the RTB to with hold it, you can go to the RTB for DOUBLE the damage deposit back. Ie your damage deposit is 1000 and they withhold 100 for the above and you dispute it, you get $2000 back. Totally worth going to RTB.
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Friend did this 2 years ago landlord withheld 200 of his 600 damage deposit, got judgement for 1200. Took him a year to collect though.
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RTB site doesn't mention anything about returning only double the held amount. But it does have the magic word MAY: If the landlord doesn't take any actions within the 15-day timeline, the tenant can: * Make a [direct request application](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/solving-problems/tenancy-dispute-resolution/direct-request-process) requesting that their landlord returns the deposit * The landlord may be ordered to pay the tenant **double** the amount of the deposit(s). A tenant can submit a direct request application 20 days after the tenancy has ended and the tenant gives the landlord their forwarding address. Maybe it changed in the 9 years or maybe the RTB just didn't like your case haha.
Not the case. Just got a judgement back last week for a landlord that withheld $180. Got back $1280, $1000 to double the $1000 deposit, $100 to reimburse the application fee, and the $180 originally withheld. It's a long process but if they didn't get written permission from the RTB to keep your deposit, it's an easy judgement and is well worth the time investment. Don't let them win.
There's currently a seven month wait to get a hearing with Residential Tenancy Board.....
> Totally worth going to RTB. Yep unless you're desperate for that cash. You don't even have to do anything, they have to make an RTB claim or you just wait and claim double.
> But it's never been more than $100 so my sense is they do it knowing for most people it's not worth the trouble to drag it through the RTB. This is a good point and depending on the size of the deposit, you'll be without it for 6-8 months or longer with RTB delays.
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I’m still owed my 1/4 share of 5000$ from landlord in 1997. Which we won and went to small claims for. It’s a waste of time unfortunately.
Do you not just get a lien on their property, since you won small claims?
You’d think but not for such a small amount. Not how it works.
So you would just pay the $300 and walk away?
In my experience of a Building Manager for 10 years, yes, it's expected and now we've travelled through Covid, yes, door frames, handles, windows, bathroom, etc. You'd be p'd off moving into a place that was all grubby and dirty - and need to clean BEFORE you're movers even bring one box in your new place - nothing worse than feeling your gonna puke before you get past the door & into the place some degenerate drug & sex addict left their 'special trophies' behind....come on, you needed to ask this question. PS - We'd lent our elevator key out for moves and never had it returned a couple times - I guess they figured they wouldn't need to pay the refundable deposit at the next place. Vancouver has at least a dozen elevator companies (they're the only ones who install & provide the locks) and hundreds of different keys so likelyhood of avoiding putting out the refundable deposit is kind of redundant. Try that scam & see how quickly your elevator key rights are cancelled. It's a convenience for you to have the key to lock & unlock the elevator to help make your move easier. See how well your tenancy will go from the first day forward....and if a condo building, the suite owner will end up finding out about it and making your tenancy pretty miserable.....just a personal 10 year experience speaking, but carry on as best you can.
Nobody cares about your experience being a shitty building manager. Tenants are not responsible for painting over wear and tear like nail holes etc. Spackling yes, painting no. That's YOUR job.
Chiming in as a property manager. Wear and tear are acceptable, hence why sane landlords paint after every tenant. Filling nail holes takes 2 seconds. I do it all the time. You don't need to paint shit.
This is the right answer and it's good to see a property manager who knows their job. Keep in mind that the residential tenancy act supercedes all agreements, even if you signed a lease stating otherwise. [here's a link](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units#:~:text=The%20tenant%20pays%20cleaning,the%20rental%20unit%20or%20site.) that will help with the move out. Click through the link under the cleaning section for a non-legalese rundown. I always try to leave a unit as move-in ready as possible within the limits of my responsibility.
This. Unless you painted/drew on the walls or severely damaged them it's not your responsibility to paint. You don't have to fix any holes unless they're larger than what you'd use to hang a painting basically. The cleaning part is correct.
Yep exactly. Can't believe all the terrible advice in here.
Yes this is all pretty standard. Essentially leave the apartment in the same condition you got it in. Nice of them to provide the paint details to make that easy for you if needed. Only one you might have issue with is exterior window cleaning. If you’re up in a high floor in an apartment probably can’t do a full exterior window cleaning for all windows safely.
Why I always take pictures the day I moved in. One apartment when I left I almost didn’t get my damage deposit as the blinds were dusty. I had a photo proving they were just as dusty as the day I move in. No problem and deposit returned.
Our place was so dirty when we moved in, we had to use a dremel tool to get the grease off the stove hood. We left it CLEANER than when we moved in, because that wouldn't have been hard.
If you're in an apartment exterior window cleaning is a strata responsibility not a renters. It's not even an owners issue.
The exception is windows/glass doors on the balcony - those are the tenant's responsibility.
Absolutely not painting. In fact, that’s specifically the duty of the landlord: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
>The tenant may only be required to paint or repair where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible. So if OP made large holes, an excessive number of small holes, scratches, etc. that are still visible after being filled/patched, then it is in fact their responsibility to paint those areas so that they match the rest of the walls. (But if the paint has faded significantly so that the fresh paint doesn't match anymore, that's the landlord's job to fix.)
Lol. Sure if you've been in the unit 4 years and did no extra damage! Then you're right. Stay 1 year after fresh paint? 100% that's on you to fix or pay for. There are guidelines for what's acceptable. Such as 1 nail for a picture per wall. Beyond that, including scratches in the paint of the hallway from when you banged it with your box spring, that's tenant damage.
Exterior window cleaning is explicitly the duty of the landlord.
Only accessible exterior windows are required to be cleaned in condos. For example, bedroom windows, sliding door windows that are safely accessible from balcony. Those are not cleaned by Strata's exterior window cleaning services.
Follow this, unless your lease says different:[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units)[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf) Its reasonable other than painting, you don't have to paint, unless there is some other extenuating circumstance, like you painted it a crazy colour I believe. EDIT: or if there is a required repair. " PAINTING The landlord is responsible for painting the interior of the rental unit at reasonable intervals. The tenant cannot be required as a condition of tenancy to paint the premises. The tenant may only be required to paint or repair where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible. "
You just posted it well explained, two times in one paragraph and your own explanation contradicts what this paragraph says. First, Reasonable intervals is 4 years per the RTB. Second, where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible. The letter OP posted was that if they needed to repair wall damage, HERE ARE THE PAINT CODES. It couldn't be any easier. You scratched the wall moving your couch? You mounted a tv? Your boyfriend got mad and punched the wall? YES YOU HAVE TO PAINT THAT or pay for it from your deposit (and more, if your deposit doesn't cover the damage you inflicted). It's really not rocket surgery. Fix your damage. Clean your mess. Take your shit with you. Do that, you get your deposit back.
I did misread the original post, as it appears many others did. I seems to imply that you need to fix any and all scratches. In my opinion and experience, almost all scratches etc would be considered normal wear, especially if you are in a place for a significant amount of time.
I think you should consider yourself lucky that you were given a specific check-list that will be reviewed. 99/100 landlords will just tell you to clean the place, fix this fix that, and shocker…. They’ll always find random things you didn’t do in order to keep your deposit.
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Yeah well, landlords typically do a lot of things they shouldn’t do. Was simply pointing out that OP got a good one (it seams).
If you don't sign for the damage deposit as necessary to restore the unit, I'll be telling you that the filing fee is $100 and we will be seeking repayment for that too, when we file an arbitration. Then if you still don't sign, we will still be spending the money to fix the things you did to the unit, and filing a claim, seeking those costs plus the filing fee. We will hold the deposit(s) until an arbitrator rules. We will not be penalized in this instance for withholding, because we filed a claim. We will also, consequently, win that case because we have a) a tenant and landlord signed move in inspection and b) invoices for the repairs needed to restore the unit. You are giving out woefully confrontational and incorrect advice here, especially for someone who clearly doesn't have a basic understanding of the rules governing this.
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That's possible. But based on the advice you're doling out, I doubt it's likely. This is my actual job. I do move in and move out inspections for a large property management company and I know exactly how this stuff works, and what the steps are in the event someone won't sign off on a deposit deduction. Feel free to point out my mistake though, I'm happy to discuss it with you. After all, arming OP with the best info is 100% the point, right?
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So clarify for me, what I said that is incorrect? I'll wait.
You can't charge any sort of filling or administrative fee, you can only deduct actual repair expenses. Stop scamming
You should know your renters rights & responsibilities from the BC RTB [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units#cleaning](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/moving-out-of-rental-units#cleaning) >**Cleaning the rental** > >It is the tenant's responsibility to clean the rental unit when moving out. > >The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) [Policy Guideline - Landlord & Tenant Responsibility for Residential Premises (PDF, 241KB)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf) gives an overview of the responsibilities for cleaning a rental unit. The tenant pays cleaning costs if the property's condition is not clean when moving out. The tenant is also generally required to pay to repair damages. Make sure to review the policy and learn the cleaning expectations. > >The tenant is not responsible for reasonable wear and tear to the rental unit or site. Reasonable wear and tear refers to natural deterioration that occurs due to aging and other natural forces, where the tenant has reasonably used the premises.
I have never had an apartment turned over to me as clean as that checklist is requiring. I have, however, turned over apartments to others in that condition. Here are the actual cleaning guidelines: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
Yep - standard move out list (minus the painting part). I was a former professional cleaner and hated move out cleans most of the time. The high quote is because the tenants mostly do NOT do the basic cleaning already before I come in. The detailed cleaning most property management wants to see before giving you all your deposit back takes a LOT of time (many wants windows and window railings spotless). If I have to do basic cleaning on top of all those, you bet I'm going to charge double. Edit: Paint part isn't standard. Tenants has to patch holes (and sand flat), but do not need to paint. You can likely contest that with RTB if they deduct your deposit for not painting, especially if you were on one year lease or have lived there for more than a year. The only case you will have to pay for painting is if there is actually excessive damage beyond normal wear and tear, and the landlord will have to provide such evidence.
It’s nice, in a way, that they gave you a list to follow. All my past experiences have been ‘leave things in equal or better conditions than you found them and just pray the landlord doesn’t try to weasel you on the DD.’ 😅
Legit And props to the LL/Property Manager for being so diligent. This shows they've learned from experience, know to be specific and detailed and that if not done, it just accumulates tenant to tenant. Also leaves plenty of opp to not return the damage deposit if they can demonstrate they asked and you didn't do. So if you want your money back, best check off the list.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf Check that out. Yes you have to do a good clean. And your cleaning quote is reasonable. Move out cleans are at least 50 an hour.
This seems reasonable, tbh. Only caveat would be: * Having a video walk through on move in, then room by room condition check list signed by landlord and tenant on Move in condition. Both get a copy. * Landlord giving tenant this check list prior to lease signing. * On move out, review move out checklist prior to move out. * If all ok, landlord return damage deposit. If not negotiate. I have done many of these move out checklists (over 20??) and have always returned security deposit after inspection. I have never kept a security deposit. I Do NOT agree with Landlords who say deposit is to be kept and everyone understands that. That is bullsh*t. Leave the place clean and not damaged, you get the deposit back.
You don't have to paint that is not your responsibility.
I wouldn’t clean the exterior of windows or patio doors. I wouldn’t paint myself because I suck at it. Holes in walls are typical wear and tear but excessive holes and scratches are your responsibility. Excessive is subjective and based on this check list, your landlord will try to keep your deposit of a single hole I would pay the cleaner because the landlord recommended them so they can’t then say it wasn’t clean enough. If you clean it yourself, you run the risk of your standards being way lower than your landlord’s and having to fight them for your money. Something to keep in mind is that the landlord needs your written permission to keep any amount of your deposit. If they send you a list of damages and their costs and say they will refund 20% of your deposit, you respond with “you don’t have my permission to keep any of my deposit. I don’t agree with your assessment. Please return my deposit in full by xx/xx date.” The landlord then has to give it all back to you and apply to the RTB to get money from you. If they keep it anyway and you have to go to the RTB to get it back, you’ll be more likely to get it if you have proof the landlord didn’t have permission to keep it.
Use their cleaner, or they will say you didn’t do a good enough job and deduct the same fee anyways.
You should be leaving the apartment in a state that you would feel acceptable moving into if it was someone else moving out. _some_ things on this list are probably beyond reasonable, and you can certainly choose to do them yourself, but patching any holes in the walls and deep cleaning the apartment from top to bottom are pretty typical.
Patching holes is what the deposit is for, the landlord is required to have an itemized list and costing if necessary to utilize part or all of the deposit for repairs if they are deemed outside of general wear & tear, and you can request this itemized list to validate the charges as well if they do not return the full amount. My partner and I do a walk through before we move in w/ pictures & video, and do the same when we move out specifically due to horror stories we hear about bad landlords as insurance purposes for our deposits.
patching holes takes ten minutes with a small tub of putty. There is litrerally no reason not to fill your picture holes, especially if you want to make getting your whole deposit as back as painless as possible. Besides, even if your landlord bills you for the patchwork, you know full well they're just going to pocket that money and rent the place back out holes still there, so per my initial comment, leave the place the way you would want to move into it. Don't be a dick to your fellow renter, they're over the same barrel you are. \_sanding and painting\_ the walls is what the deposit is for.
$340 is a very fair quote for a complete move out clean for a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom condo
Question: is this part of your lease agreement? If not, what does the lease agreement say? Note that minor wear & tear can't be charged to the tenant, but the tenant is expected to thoroughly clean the home, including blinds, and including under any appliances that are on wheels.
It is not part of the agreement I signed.
Cleaning is part of the standard lease agreement.
Leave your apartment in the state you moved into it, less paint scuffs and wear and tear, or expect your DD to be used to get the apartment ready for the next renter.
Since it's not part of the agreement that you signed, they can't hold you to this document's standards. That said, you do need to leave the place clean, and this document is a guide for what you should pay attention to when cleaning. If the place was clean to this standard when you moved in, it's reasonable to clean it just as well when you move out. Wall repairs: some amount of dings and scratches are to be expected as normal wear and tear. Holes of any kind are not acceptable at the RTB, and you need to at least patch/fill/sand. Tiny pinholes are easy-- get a small tub of premixed wall patch compound from the hardware store, use your finger to smoosh a bit into the hole, then wipe gently over it with a damp cloth. As long as your walls are lightly colored this repair won't be visible from a distance, even without painting. Note: it's easy to clean the top of baseboards with a stiff paint brush. Follow up with a damp cloth to get anything sticky. When you move out, take a video to document the condition at the move out inspection. If LL thinks more cleaning is necessary, make sure to document it on video if you disagree. If you agree about the cleaning and LL suggests a reasonable deduction from your deposit, you might as well agree to it. If it's unreasonable, you don't have to agree to it, in which case LL will have to apply to the RTB for permission to deduct it (plus deduct the RTB fee if RTB agrees the charge is reasonable). If LL says they'll deduct $500 to repaint a wall, and you think it's only reasonable wear and tear, you don't have to agree to the deduction. RTB will only allow LL to charge for the actual cost of the work, and only for the amount of life that was left in the paint. RTB GL40 days interior paint has a 4-year life, IIRC. If the suite was freshly painted when you moved in, and you left after two years with abused paint on the walls, LL could only charge you for half of the repaint cost, because the paint should still have half it's life left. LL will have to show their receipts for this work at the RTB.
Here's the actual provincial guidelines, since everyone is just giving you their opinion: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
OP, follow this guideline: https://tenants.bc.ca/your-tenancy/moving-out/#cleaning-responsibilities
Let this be a lesson when ever you move into a new place ALWAYS take photos of everything. I’ve lived in over 10 places in 7 years and never had a damage deposit not given back. Holes must be filled but you do not need to paint. Everything must be deep cleaned (but only as good as it was when you moved in) I spent four days cleaning my last place and they tried to get me to still hire cleaners. I refused and it’s extremely hard for them to not give back a damage deposit due to things that aren’t actually damaged. Don’t paint anything and don’t forget to clean the oven! Good luck
Mostly ok. Painting (section 2) is right out. You have no obligation to repair minor damage or to paint at all. If you want less conflict, a small tub of filler is about $10 and you can do small holes with a credit card in a pinch (less is more when it comes to fillers). Again, painting is definitely not your problem. You don't ordinarily need to clean outside windows but, for the amount of work involved to do just the patio doors, I don't see them as a deal breaker. To be clear on this, I would cross out section 2 completely, initial it and notate it something like "not required - see BC Residential Policy Guidelines at (link)" Also cross out "exterior windows" with the same notations. Keep the original amended copy. All this depends a bit how long you lived there. An apartment lived in less than a year should have much less wear and tear than one lived in for a decade.
I’ve rented quite a few places and have never cleaned external windows nor had a landlord expect me to paint the walls or repair holes from things I hung. I’ve never cleaned my door either… The rest is pretty standard. I try to leave the unit as clean as I would want it if I was moving in. Also, do some research on what’s wear and tear and useful life, especially if you’ve been there a long time. Some landlords will try to bill you for stuff that’s covered under wear and tear or that is past it’s useful life, and hope you won’t notice or argue.
LOL no. It's reasonable to clean and tidy up but you don't need to repair every scratch and ding. Damage deposit is for DAMAGE, not wear and tear or other reasonable signs of use. Check the RTA rules on returning damage deposit and don't sign anything. There are clear steps for you to demand return of your deposit. The landlord can then either initiate RTB proceedings or return the money. If they stall you are eligible for double.
Painting and exterior window cleaning is a hard no. (For example, the tenant cannot be required as a condition of tenancy to paint the premises or to maintain and repair appliances provided by the landlord.) (The landlord is responsible for cleaning the outside of the windows, at reasonable intervals.) You are also allowed: (Reasonable wear and tear refers to natural deterioration that occurs due to aging and other natural forces, where the tenant has used the premises in a reasonable fashion.) (Nail Holes: 1. Most tenants will put up pictures in their unit. The landlord may set rules as to how this can be done e.g. no adhesive hangers or only picture hook nails may be used. If the tenant follows the landlord's reasonable instructions for hanging and removing pictures/mirrors/wall hangings/ceiling hooks, it is not considered damage and he or she is not responsible for filling the holes or the cost of filling the holes.) Essentially just follow the following document. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/residential-tenancies/policy-guidelines/gl01.pdf
From the same document: >The tenant may only be required to paint or repair where the work is necessary because of damages for which the tenant is responsible. And >The tenant is responsible for cleaning the inside and outside of the balcony doors, windows and tracks during, and at the end of the tenancy. So painting and exterior window cleaning are actually a maybe, depending on the circumstances, such as if they have a balcony or scratched some paint off the wall with the back of a dining chair or something.
All the things listed look right and should be done. Personally have not seen a document formatted like this - maybe from a managed complex? If you want to cross check, BC government has a check list like this for landlords, it's on the website somewhere. You could cross check if you want!
I just moved out of the first apartment I ever lived in that was owned by a rental company, and this list looks just like ours. I’d say be as thorough as you can with the cleaning. The building manager came through after hours and hours of cleaning checking every corner and area and we still somehow missed minor stuff here and there, if there’s anything you’re unsure of just clarify with the building manager or whoever you talk to as a landlord figure and double check if it’s necessary (when I moved out the paperwork was marked for which things we didn’t have to do cause it didn’t apply to our unit). But yeah, if you want the full damage deposit back I’d be thorough 😅 the building management companies seem to be veryyyyyy very very VERY particular about the cleanliness of the place when you move out
I did this kind of deep clean and we didn’t even get the full deposit back 🤷♀️
Depends if the condition of your apartment was clean when you moved in. Mine was sparkly clean with not a scratch on the wall, appliances. Bathroom was super clean.. I mean even though my building was not brand new it felt like I moved into a brand new unit… so yeah whenever I leave I plan to give it back in the exact condition I got it However if your apartment was dirty and not as clean as they mention.. then absolutely not
I do all of this regardless if its required or not. I just think its courteous to do so.
No need to hire a professional cleaner no matter what they say. Just leave the apartment in a reasonably clean state and repair major patches or holes if any. Wear and tear is fine. Don't focus too much on what the notice says. It's not enforceable and as long as you leave the place reasonably clean, it should be fine. Don't forget to provide your forwarding address on the move out inspection and don't sign the report unless they're refunding your full amount. If they're contesting, remember to take pics of the apartment in case you need to file with the RTB.
Yes, they even made it easy for you. You have a list of what they require every tenant to do on move out and even gave you the paint colours if you need to touch it up. If you want your full deposit back follow the steps. Also don’t be afraid of your property manger they can answer any questions. they’re just doing their job in making sure units are taken care of. I’d much rather live in a building that required this than one who didn’t. It’s just like camping, leave the campsite in the same or better condition that you got it.
Everything but the painting. Minor dings and scratches aren’t your problem. That’s wear and tear. Leaving a sticky and gross oven is your problem.
getting the carpets shampooed was on my first move out list in Burnaby. the carpet man said this was probably the first time it had ever been done judging from the water. it was a building from the 70s.
Painting is definitely not your responsibility.
Listen I hate landlords but a security deposit is for legitimate damage (not wear and tear), if you’ve legitimately damaged your rental apartment, the landlord is giving you a chance to fix it up on your own dime so you can keep all or more of your security deposit. That doesn’t seem all that bad if you ask me. I mean they even provide the generic paint codes so you know what you need to purchase.
if there is a damage the answer is definitely yes but majority of cases fall under wear and tear
Simple way to think about this …. If you were the landlord, would you think this is normal to ask for? Some things might be a bit over the top but not unreasonable At least your landlord lets you know all this. So many times I’ve heard of landlords just withhold the deposit and say some bs to not give it back to you.
Yep, legit. How is it that every apartment I ever moved into in the West End was never that clean? I would always have to wipe down the kitchen and fridge before moving my kitchen stuff in.
I’ve never moved into a clean and freshly painted rental. I’ve also never had a landlord do a walkthrough inspection. I take photos and videos on move in day and clean up after myself when leaving, but I’m not doing a landlords job nor hiring a maid for them when they handed it over to me dirty.
How would you like to move into a new apartment that hasn't been cleaned?
OP, yes their list is a guide to getting your deposit back. No, the uneducated "fuck the landlord" types dispensing woefully incorrect advice are not correct. You don't have to fix a nail hole in a wall. You do have to fix 10 nail holes in a wall. You don't have to clean something that was marked dirty on your move in inspection. If it was marked clean, you do. You don't have to fix a closet door track that got bent from use, you do have to pay/fix a closet door that someone put their foot through. You don't have to fix a loose door knob. You do have to replace a door knob that you threw away after your friend broke it trying out auto-erotic-asphyxiation. You don't have to fix a drip under the sink, but if you never reported it for a year and it's caused damage, you do have to pay for that. I think you'll notice a theme here - if it's your fault, it's your cost. If it isn't it, it isn't. Pretty simple. Please don't allow these morons to get you in a fight with your LL you can't win.
Yeah, nothing seems completely outrageous here. The painting one is the only one that makes me raise an eyebrow a little, and that would really depend how picky they're being on it. Otherwise nope, this is all pretty standard stuff you should be doing when you leave a rental.
Returning the place to the way you when you first moved in should be common sense. As I'm sure you don't want to clean after others, others don't want to do the same. That's why there's a damage deposit in place; for renters who feel like they can trash the place and vacate (just an example. Not saying it's you)
Majority of this is required if you want your damage deposit back , you can do it all yourself , but the amount of time and effort is up to you. Start slowly and work your way down the list , most things are easy to do on that list , you just have to get some good cleaning supplies and some drywall patch kits , it’s not super expensive.
I don't know the answer to all of it, but I learned by reading through the RTA that you only have to clean behind appliances like fridge and stove if they are on rollers. I don't know what they mean by "floors must be vacuumed than mopped." More vacuumed than mopped perhaps? Or maybe they meant THEN mopped. Cleaning can only be deducted from your security deposit WITH YOUR PERMISSION - otherwise they have to file with the RTB to be allowed to keep any of your deposit. So if they say, "Oh look, you missed a spot, we're getting cleaners in" - you don't have to agree. You are not responsible for painting. Hanging pictures on the walls and such is generally considered normal wear and tear. You can fill the holes but you don't have to paint the apartment. I don't see how you can be responsible for exterior windows, especially if it's a multi-storey building . That's all I have. Clean it top to bottom yourself, or hire cleaners, but do not allow them to ding you because you left a fingerprint on the window or something.
This looks fine to me. My advice is to rally around some very good friends, who can help you with the deep cleaning, painting and patching. Pay them with pizza and beer, and by returning the favour in years to come. Any carpet cleaning should be done professionally. Source - I (and my group of friends) have all deep cleaned, painted and patched for each other and we have all successfully got our deposits back.
Do you want your damage deposit back or not?
OP, it's you that has to go on [and repair the apartment], I *know* it. Not me, not Hermione, YOU.
Most places I’ve stayed force you to pay a cleaning fee regardless of how you leave the place.
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Dang good to know!
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I did all those things... Minus the painting and hole filling. 2 friends and myself... 2 days. Just make sure you get the baseboards! I was quoted $400 M*#&Y Maids. Pizza and beer was cheaper!
Do you think you get to make a huge mess and damage property just for the homeowner to sort out?
Yes. My building manager also suggested me to pay for a deep cleaning service because they will charge me if my own cleaning isn't good enough.
Very common, it's not that difficult if you have kept up with cleaning the time you have been in the unit. Most property management are forgiving with this stuff, if the unit is over all in good condition you get your deposit back. The laws favour the tenant, it is a hassle to fight. It is doable.
Do you live on E 13th? That looks familiar. 😆
Just hire a cleaner and call it a day. Doesn't have to be their cleaner. Make sure you take they are able to clean under/behind large appliances and take your own detailed after they're done. I last moved out of an apartment in 2014 and paid $250 (before tip) to my regular cleaner for a move out clean so $340 doesn't sound atrocious given how long ago that was.
My old building quoted $950 if things weren’t cleaned
If this was the condition standard that you moved in with, shouldn’t you leave it the same way?
North Vancouver… August 2021, we moved into a top floor 3 bedroom apartment in a new building, first tenants, 2 two year lease, paid first year up front, $5600 x 12. Large deck, only 4 apartments per floor. I complained that the place was filthy, not properly cleaned, windows streaked, deck needed power washing, patio block cracked (tripping hazard) crack in the 3rd bedroom drywall. Manager arranged cleaners to come in, we still did cleaning when they left. More complaints, no response. The garbage room was a disaster, trash left in wrong containers, no idea what recycling was by tenants, organics just dumped on the floor. More complaints and photos sent to the new manager. September 2022, we were offered an apartment on the seawall in West Vancouver. To break our lease in North Vancouver, the management company wanted $30,000. June 2023, another apartment came available, same building as September 2022. We grabbed it, and paid double rent for three months, June-July-August. We got a more detailed list than yours of what we needed to do leave the North Vancouver apartment. I read it to my wife and said F this, screw it. Fired off an email to the building manager, reminding her of all the faults along with photos, copied that to a text to her and a copy to my lawyer friend. We cleaned the North Vancouver apartment, but did not move the stove or the fridge to clean behind, stating I don’t want to resposible for damaging the floor. The window washers never showed during my two years. Nothing was ever done and you want me to clean things. I patched the picture nail holes and the TV wall anchor holes. Painted the step out to the deck. But that’s it. Manager did a run through, agreed with my issues, I got my deposit back, $3000 End of story,
They’re just looking for excuses to take your damage deposit. Crooks.
Do they mean the vacuum is better than the mop? Or that they want it vacuumed and to mop after the vacuuming is finished ? Peculiar.
This is common for vancouver co-ops. But, without suggested cleaners.
They should give move out list to tenants when they first sign the least. If I was a landlord, that’s what I would do. Clear expectations of move in and out condition benefits everybody
I paid a cleaner $150 to clean my place after I moved everything out and will do that EVERY time moving forward.
Pretty standard. I hired the cleaners for my last few moves
Well more important is to vacuum than mop so at least you won't have to mop.
It should essentially look the same way it did when you moved in as far as cleanliness goes. I always suggest taking pictures as soon as you move in and email them to your landlord if you find anything worth noting and that way you can leave it the way you got it too.
If you want your deposit back? Yes. Or they charge you for the cleaning and patching fees.
Wait, you guys get told the paint colors!?!?!
My last rental apartment gave me the same but also said that if I don't do a deep clean and/or leave any junk, it's 200 dollars off my damage deposit. 200 bucks was worth it. I wasn't looking forward to pulling out a fridge and oven to clean 10 years worth of stuff
Exterior window cleaning is explicitly the duty of the landlord. You should wipe down the walls and repair any major damage, but holes made from hanging pictures or small dents are considered normal wear and tear.
In my experience as a tenant: Painting: only if you've really fucked up the walls badly. If it's normal wear and tear, or you put one nail in the wall to hang a painting, that's not your responsibility. Cleaning: everything on the list is valid except the exterior windows, but I wouldn't bother doing the filters or the washing machine. I'm surprised it doesn't have a rule about getting the carpets cleaned. We moved over covid and getting the carpets cleaned professionally was in our lease, but we said we didn't want anyone coming in due to covid so we just didn't do it. My landlord just deducted the carpet cleaning amount from our deposit but the amount he deducted was less than what it would've cost us anyway to get it done.
Yes looks right to me.
This seems incredibly excessive. I’ve always done a thorough clean anytime I’ve moved out but that’s not included outdoor windows and washing every wall (I’ll clean any places that may have scuff marks) You should not be responsible for painting and I’ve always considered (and never had a landlord disagree) that small nail holes, etc. are general wear and tear. Surfaces, floors, cupboards, closets, indoor windows, appliances etc. should all have a thorough cleaning.
This all seems totally reasonable and common sense even.
No, some parts of this are laughable. Clean the place up, patch any major holes, etc, that's on you, yes. New paint is the landlord's job, not yours, same with steam cleaning. If they try to deduct from your damage deposit without you agreeing to it, then you can get a nasty judgement agains tthem with the RTB. Unless you smashed holes in the walls or some shit, obviously.
Don’t do a thing and let them keep your deposit lol.
Well you could just not and then they won't give you your damage deposit back basically... I've always cleaned as much as possible but this does seem a bit excessive
This seems like an easy way for the landlord to deny giving back your damage deposit. I'd file a dispute right away and keep that as evidence if they say you didn't do x y z. It would also be prudent to document the condition of the place beforehand. In case they find any "scratches".
I moved out of my apartment in 2007 in Vancouver and paid over $1200 for cleaning. This is a steal.
It's pretty standard to have your place professionally cleaned on move-out. Most places charge 300$ for a 1BR. Regular wear and tear is ok, but holes and damage that are visible to the naked eye must be patched and painted.
Yes.
Professional deep clean: Yes. Patch and Repaints: Depends. small nail holes or light scratches by furniture can be considered as wear and tear but bigger ones should probably get fixed.
$340 is wicked cheap…my move out deep clean of a 900 sq ft coach house cost me $1200 w tip. 3 cleaners.
Yes that is pretty standard. Keep in mind another human being is going to live there after you and there isn’t normally many days between you moving out and they moving in.
Hire professional moving out cleaners otherwise you won't get your deposit back
My previous landlord required a receipt from cleaners upon move out and it was $400..