Nothing more motivates a tenant to replace dead light bulbs than knowing that if they don't, their landlord can hire someone else to handle the task—at $5 a bulb, taken out of their deposit. Encourage them to think ahead (and stop any surprises) by providing them with a security deposit deductions list in advance.
Doing so motivates your tenant to do as much themselves as possible. Let’s face it: Moving isn’t fun. It’s hard work, and by the time the tenant moves into their new place, the last thing they want to do is deep clean the home they lived in for years.
But the responsible ones buck up and do it anyway. Focus your attention on the others, who aren’t so inclined.
In reality, some items may cost more and some may cost less. The point is showing the tenant what inaction will cost them. Probably a lot more than they think.
The Landlord’s Itemized Security Deposit Deductions List
While you can copy this list wholesale, we recommend paying attention to your own local market. If you know for a fact that your hardwood guy charges $1,000 per room, make that known to your tenant. The more accurate you can be now, the fewer surprised tenants you’ll deal with later.
Purchasing your first rental property is just the beginning of your real estate journey, because being a good landlord is almost as important as making good deals. BiggerPockets’ free guide How to Become a Landlord: Managing Rental Properties for Real Estate Investors will teach you everything—from setting rent to handling evictions.
General cleaning and repairs
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop: $50
- Dust and wash trim: $25
- Wipe down walls: $25
- General labor (cleaning, painting, normal repairs, trash removal, etc.): $25–$40/hour
- Specialty labor (electric, drywall repair, plumbing, etc.): $70–$100/hour
Damages, repairs, and disposal
- Repair drywall
- 6′ by 6′ room: $75
- 12′ by 12′ room: $150
- Wash light fixture (each): $15
- Replace interior door: $100
- Replace exterior door: $250
- Clean ceiling fan: $25
- Change light bulb (each): $5
- Replace smoke detector batteries: $25
- Replace carbon monoxide detector batteries: $25
- Replace smoke detector: $75
- Replace carbon monoxide detector: $75
- Replace window blinds: $40
- Replace sliding door blinds: $60
- Carpet cleaning (normal): $150
- Carpet cleaning (deep clean): $200
- Carpet spot cleaning (each): $15
- Replace carpet (12′ by 12′ room): $500
- Replace wood, vinyl, laminate, etc. flooring (12′ by 12′ room): $500
- Repaint one room: $300
- Repair kitchen cabinet: $150
- Repair kitchen drawer: $150
- Wash window (including tracks, inside): $20
- Fill nail holes: $25
- Replace interior door knob: $25
- Replace exterior door lock: $50
- Pest or rodent extermination: $150
Exterior
- Trash removal (per load): $100
- Mow lawn: $35–$75
- Weed flower beds: $35–$100
Cleaning: Kitchen
- Clean kitchen (normal): $150
- Clean kitchen (deep): $300
- Oven and stove: $75
- Refrigerator: $75
- Dishwasher: $75
- Microwave: $25
- Cabinets: $200
- Countertops: $25
- Sweep and mop floors: $25
- Dust and wash trim: $15
- Wipe down walls: $25
- Drip pan replacement: $35
Cleaning: Living and dining room, office, and recreation room
- Cleaning (normal): $100
- Cleaning (deep): $200
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop: $50
- Dust and wash trim: $25
- Wipe down walls: $25
Cleaning: Bathrooms
- Cleaning (normal): $100
- Cleaning (deep): $200
- Bathtub or shower: $50
- Sink: $25
- Cabinet: $25
- Toilet: $25
- Sweep and mop floors: $25
- Dust and wash trim: $25
- Wipe down walls: $25
- Wipe down fixtures: $15
Cleaning: Bedrooms
- Cleaning (normal): $100
- Cleaning (deep): $200
Of course, make sure you add a caveat: “This list has been prepared for your information only. Actual charges will vary.”
Contact Martin Property Management
For more information about security deposits, or to speak with us about our property management services, contact us today by calling (617) 957-0166 or click here.
