Question about leaving a rental property

[seren_ccd]

Okay, I have a question about something that is really, really bugging me.

When I left the house I was renting, I made sure to clean it. I scrubbed the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, refrigerator, vacuumed, etc. I did everything that I could in a limited amount of time and with only my two hands.

Was it professional-grade clean? Probably not, but it was certainly liveable.

My former landlady is planning to take out £360 out of my rental deposit for the cleaning of two professional cleaners over the course of two days. Basically, she's charging me for a professional cleaning.

This is not sitting well with me. I was under the impression that landlords were obliged to clean the rental property under their own steam. There was no damage and I don't think comparing the job I did with that of professional cleaners is fair.

What does everyone else think?

Comments

[ostarella.livejournal.com]

Did you have a written lease? That's the first thing to check for requirements on leaving. If not, in my area you're only required to leave the premises in reasonably good condition - usually meaning the same way it was when you moved in minus normal wear and tear. So if you stained the carpet, it's your responsibility to have it removed; it the carpet wore out through normal use, not your problem. Anyway, I'd check with an attorney (usually the first consultation is free) or the local government (who license these landlords). Some areas also have groups for renters that handle disputes either free or for very low costs.

[seren-ccd.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! I've gone back to her and have said that I'd be happy to split the cost of the clean, but that I wasn't comfortable with owing the entire amount. We'll see how things go... :D