Real life MMD: Should she charge for cleaning?

bogwart

If she had an agreement with them that they would share in the work of cleaning or costs that's one thing. It doesn't sound from what you say that she had such an agreement, so it would be pretty well impossible to claim back their share of the costs. And I can't see any reason why the landlord would be interested. I think the only thing she can do is learn from this unfortunate experience. She really can't expect everyone to think the same as her based just on guesswork.

chiok

You could try and charge them, but it would not be enforceable. The only surefire method would be if the deposit was paid back to the individual as a lump sum, who them distributed it back to the other tenants. You could definitely deduct the cost of cleaning (cleaning supplies, etc.).

The other avenue would be if the individual's room and share of the communal areas was cleaned to the level specified in the rental agreement, and then any deductions made by the landlord or letting agency are taken from the other 2/3 of the deposit, not hers. Again, not enforceable unless the deposit goes back to her and she can control it.

Properties need a proper clean at the end of the tenancy anyway: cleaning out the oven, tops of cupboards, curtains, filling in nail holes etc. and many agents will find something to take from the deposit if they're unscrupulous (I've experienced a few). Most rental contracts consider all tenants as one individual and will treat as such. Therefore, all should be responsible for the cleaning and handover. Now, whenever I move into a property, I inspect it fully with a video camera in tow to document the exact condition of the place before I settle in so that I can dispute any deductions they make at the end of the tenancy. And even then, they take a charge for "administration"!

tallgirld

She could ask for a contribution. The worse thing they can say is NO!

I think it's worth a shot. Why didn't they help her clean up anyway?

Mrs_Frontage

I'm a landlord of a property and I automatically have it professionally cleaned after a tenant moves out! Quite frankly I wouldn't move into a house that hasn't been cleaned by a proper cleaner as I wouldn't rely on a previous tennant to clean it properly!

It really does depend what it written on the tennancy agreement. I cannot retain a deposit because there is some dust left on the windowsill, but I can keep a deposit if the carpet has been ruined by wine stains or a door is hanging off its hinges.

As usual, tenants don't read their agreements, so this sounds like a case of needing to clarify what was required before moving out. Retrospectively trying to charge someone else is a bit naughty! ALSO, was this person named on the tenancy agreement??? Sounds as if she just moved in and 'stayed' with them, which is classed as sub-letting and if found out that had happened I would not be happy!

Move out, move on and don't fuss over a couple of hours hard labour!

Squire_Fulwood

Blackmail again or demanding money with cleaning. It would be nice if you could clean things (when not asked to do so) and then send a bill. Could I join this scam please since I have a lot of dusters.

Ebenezer_Screwj

This is a non-starter, why did the friend carry out this cleaning job ? Does she also pick up litter in the street and then bill her local council ?

happyinflorida

Was she one of three sharing a flat, all paying the same rent? Who's responsibility was it to clean the flat? Did they agree to clean the flat together to get their deposit back? If the answer to that is yes, then she should charge as they would have lost a big chunk of their deposit without her slogging her guts out cleaning the flat up! It is very wrong of them to not turn up to help and to then expect to get their deposit back!