Should I charge a None-refundable deposit

[michaerlscai]

I can charge a none-refundable deposit in Arizona, but what's a good wording in a contract.

Because it seem confusing, if I charge a none-refunable cleaning fee, tenant asks me does that include carpet cleaning?

If tenant cleans the house well, seems I shouldn't charge a none-refundable cleaning fee.

If tenant cleans it OK, but I think it's not up to my standard, it seem it opens it up for disputes.

Should I charge a none-refundable deposit? if so how should I put it in the contract to minimize any disputes? It seems that's a touchy issue with the tenants.

 

[CSO286]

I can charge a none-refundable deposit in Arizona, but what's a good wording in a contract.

Because it seem confusing, if I charge a none-refunable cleaning fee, tenant asks me does that include carpet cleaning?

If tenant cleans the house well, seems I shouldn't charge a none-refundable cleaning fee.

If tenant cleans it OK, but I think it's not up to my standard, it seem it opens it up for disputes.

Should I charge a none-refundable deposit? if so how should I put it in the contract to minimize any disputes? It seems that's a touchy issue with the tenants.

That really not a legal question.

It legal to charge a non-refundable deposit. So you need to decide whether or not to do it.

 

[TigerD]

I can charge a none-refundable deposit in Arizona, but what's a good wording in a contract.
Because it seem confusing, if I charge a none-refunable cleaning fee, tenant asks me does that include carpet cleaning?
If tenant cleans the house well, seems I shouldn't charge a none-refundable cleaning fee.
If tenant cleans it OK, but I think it's not up to my standard, it seem it opens it up for disputes.
Should I charge a none-refundable deposit? if so how should I put it in the contract to minimize any disputes? It seems that's a touchy issue with the tenants.

1. It isn't a deposit if it is non-refundable. It is a fee.
2. Are you really - ever - going to not have the carpets cleaned professionally after a tenant leaves?
3. There is no dispute. If it is not cleaned to your standard, it is not clean.

What I do:
I collect a deposit. In my lease I notify tenants that certain charges will be applied to the deposit. For example carpet cleaning. Every tenant with carpets pays the carpet cleaning fee. They are still expected to leave the floors clean, but I bring in a pro with the proper equipment.

My pet deposit is fully refundable. But it is also very high. I charge $10 per pound. Two 10 pound cats is a $200 pet deposit. I have one tenant right now with a 54 pound black lab. Her pet deposit was $540.

Additionally, although it isn't required, I pay interest on deposits. I think it is the only fair thing to do.


DC

 

[tranquility]

My pet deposit is fully refundable. But it is also very high. I charge $10 per pound. Two 10 pound cats is a $200 pet deposit. I have one tenant right now with a 54 pound black lab. Her pet deposit was $540.

I've not seen the per pound deposit. Very clever.

 

[michaerlscai]

3. There is no dispute. If it is not cleaned to your standard, it is not clean.

I can see the tenant argue with me on this one, she says it's clean, I say it's not clean.. I have a VERY difficult tenant.

Also how much do you charge as non-refundable cleaning deposit, the last professional carpet cleaning itself cost me like $270.

 

[FarmerJ]

Re your deposits a list of things you expect to be clean that is well defined may be best bet , EG Kitchen , outsides and insides of cabinet doors & wood work clean____ drawers and in sides of cabinets washed out so theres no dust, food particles______ fridge exterior clean___ stove exterior clean_____ other appliance( name it) _________ exterior clean____ inside of fridge clean _________ inside of oven clean ________ stove top and burner areas ( drip pans ) clean [ burned on food marks Y/N] floors clean ____ Kitchen windows clean on the insides [y/n] heating cooling vents clean [N/a ? OR y/n] Kitchen light fixtures clean _____ window treatments clean _____ (n/a ) room by room bathroom (s) bedrooms , laundry , util rooms, closets living room rec room fam room garage , (shed) I think you get the idea this way you can leave enough room to also note damage or conditions if you give a copy to the tenant like you have a stain size of a paint can on the floor tile in the laundry by the washer you can note it there so that way there wont be any dispute with a future tenant and then they also have a list of what you expect to be cleaned. Carpets well document condition on the same list and take pics of every thing to show how clean it is once it is clean and ready then at move out exit pics . Carpets , since you do not live there the best bet you might want to do is to have a local well known carpet cleaning firm clean them between tenants and this way they can also let you know if a carpet gets to a point that its just not going to get any cleaner ( replacement time) Pets well if you have one tenant who lives there a year and kitty sprays or pees in a corner or rover is doggy incontinent it can get spendy to treat the surfaces under carpet just to get rid of the stink so just make sure a pet dep is enough that its good incentive for a tenant to not ignore a pet who Pees on flooring or where they should not be.

 

[TigerD]

3. There is no dispute. If it is not cleaned to your standard, it is not clean.

I can see the tenant argue with me on this one, she says it's clean, I say it's not clean.. I have a VERY difficult tenant.

Also how much do you charge as non-refundable cleaning deposit, the last professional carpet cleaning itself cost me like $270.

You need to adjust your terminology.
1. A deposit is refundable. There is no such thing as a non-refundable deposit.
2. A cleaning fee listed in your lease can be applied to the deposit.
3. Find a cheaper cleaner. I charge what my guy charges me. But I have several units and use him at least a couple times a year.
4. As for cleaning - take pictures. When the tenant moves out, photograph everything. Save every receipt and get invoices -- even if you pay your mother-in-law to clean a unit. It is your property and your opinion is what matters. But if you are unreasonable, eventually judge will decide.

There are landlord organizations all over the country. Get yourself hooked up with one. Other landlords can refer you to quality contractors that provide fair billing.

DC