California Rental Law Carpet Cleaning

California law does not specify when landlords must replace carpeting in rental units.

California rental law carpet cleaning.

If the tenant vacates the apartment in any other condition the landlord can use a portion of the tenant s security deposit to cover the costs associated with having the rental unit cleaned. California law also permits a landlord to deduct for the repair of damage to the rental unit including carpet damage as long as the damage is beyond regular normal wear and tear which is permitted by law. Additionally a tenant may be charged for cleaning where the tenant has caused filth beyond ordinary use. Atcp 134 06 3 c states that a landlord may not withhold from tenant s security deposit for routine painting or carpet cleaning where there is no unusual damage caused by tenant abuse madison general ordinance 32 07 14 forbids withholding for routine carpet cleaning in the city of madison.

It does clarify that worn or aged but otherwise undamaged carpet does not affect a property s habitability. For instance an inordinate amount of pet hair or a urine smell left in the carpet would be beyond normal wear and tear as these are avoidable conditions and beyond normal use. According to california law landlords can only charge tenants for carpet and paint under certain conditions. Because carpet cleaning is part of the overall turnover costs that is usually covered by the landlords.