I've just rented my first place in 14 years, and the leasing agent told me straight up that I'll never get my full damage deposit back because they use it to hire someone to professionally steam clean the place.

Now, my memory isn't the best, but I know for a fact that they never used to do that when I was renting before. I don't know when that change came into effect, but I'm with you: if I leave the place clean (steam cleaned and everything) and undamaged, then I should get 100% of my damage deposit back.

Sigh. Looking forward to owning my own place again...and I haven't even spent a night at my rental place yet!! :D