Security deposit deduction for "required" apartment cleaning and repainting
Location: California
I received an email today detailing the costs for cleaning and a full repainting of my old apartment, within 21 days of my move out date.
I responded back requesting for photos and their justification for those fees. They responded back with an itemized receipt of the charges + photos in a large PDF and with the following:
- Cleaning Fees: A professional turn-clean was necessary to restore the apartment back to its prior, clean condition at the time your tenancy began. Because a professional clean is required to ensure a uniform standard of cleanliness and sanitation for the next resident, this charge is applied standard to all vacating homes and cannot be waived.
- Painting and Drywall Charges: While the physical condition of the walls at move-out required a full repaint to restore the home to its rentable standard, we did not charge you the full cost of the painting service. In accordance with guidelines regarding the useful life of paint, your charge was heavily prorated to account for your residency of over one year, ensuring you were only billed for the remaining unamortized life of the paint beyond normal wear and tear.
I am aware of California's tenant laws regarding deducting from a security deposit to bring the apartment back to the same level of cleanliness as when a tenant moves in (which is what their language essentially mirrors). However, it seems like they haven't provided enough evidence to show that such cleaning is "required". Their photos are time-stamped but do not clearly show a Before vs After cleaning comparison. They have not pointed out any specific regarding painting beyond normal wear and tear. I participated in a pre move-out inspection, and they did not notify me of any major repairs needed other than normal wear and tear.
I'm not sure about the repainting but do they have a valid, legal claim to deduct against my security deposit for the cleaning?
Posted Jul 6, 2026, 8:53 PM UTC