In short: yes, a Florida landlord can charge for cleaning if you leave the home dirtier than when you moved in, allowing for normal wear and tear. The charge has to come through the deposit claim process: written notice within 30 days of you moving out, saying how much and why.
Why a landlord can charge for cleaning
Florida law requires tenants to keep the part of the home they live in clean and sanitary (section 83.52). Most leases also say the home must be returned in the same condition it was let, apart from normal wear and tear. If it is not, the landlord can claim the reasonable cost of putting it right from your security deposit.
What can and cannot be charged
| Usually chargeable | Usually not chargeable |
|---|---|
| Grease left in the oven, on the stove or the range hood | Light dust in a home that was cleaned before you left |
| Food left in the fridge or freezer | Paint faded by sunlight or age |
| Mildew, soap scum and hard water build up in bathrooms | Carpet worn by normal walking |
| Trash, furniture or belongings left behind | A routine clean the landlord does between every tenant whatever the condition |
| Heavy marks on walls from dirt rather than age | Minor scuffs and a few small nail holes, unless your lease says otherwise |
The line between dirt and wear and tear is not defined in Florida's statutes, so it comes down to your lease, the condition when you moved in and what is reasonable. Our guide to wear and tear and damage goes through more examples.
How the charge has to be made
- If the landlord is keeping nothing, the full deposit is due back within 15 days of you moving out
- To keep any of it, the landlord must send written notice within 30 days, by certified mail or by email if you both signed an email notice addendum, giving the amount and the reason
- You have 15 days from receiving the notice to object in writing
- A landlord who misses the 30 day notice loses the right to claim against the deposit, though they can still sue separately
Fixed cleaning fees in a lease
Some leases set a fixed move out cleaning fee. Read exactly how yours is worded: whether it applies whatever condition you leave the home in, or only if it needs cleaning. If it is unclear, ask your landlord in writing before you move out and keep the reply.
How to avoid a cleaning charge
- Find your move in photos or inspection form, so you know the starting condition
- Clean room by room with our move out cleaning checklist, or book a move out clean and keep the receipt
- Take dated photos and a video of every room once it is done, including inside the oven, fridge and cabinets
- Give your forwarding address in writing, so the deposit notice reaches you
If you are charged and you disagree, see how to dispute a deposit deduction in Florida.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and your lease may add terms. For advice on your situation, speak to a Florida attorney or the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County.