In short: Florida law does not say you must clean the carpets when you move out, so it depends on your lease and the state you leave them in. Carpet worn by normal use is wear and tear and should not be charged. Stains, spills, pet accidents and heavy dirt can be, and some leases require professional carpet cleaning with a receipt.
Check your lease first
- A professional carpet cleaning clause. If your lease has one, use a professional and keep the receipt to show your landlord
- Return in the same condition. Most leases say the home must be returned as you received it, apart from normal wear and tear. If the carpets were cleaned before you moved in, expect to leave them clean
- A fixed carpet fee. Read whether it applies whatever condition you leave them in, or only if they need cleaning. If it is unclear, ask in writing before you move out
Florida law also requires tenants to keep the part of the home they live in clean and sanitary (section 83.52).
What can be charged
| Usually normal wear and tear | Usually chargeable |
|---|---|
| Worn paths in hallways and doorways | Stains from spills, food or drinks |
| Flattened pile under furniture | Pet urine, odors and scratched or chewed carpet |
| Slight fading from sunlight | Burns, tears and holes |
| Light soiling after years of use | Heavy dirt, mud or sand left through the home |
If a carpet is damaged beyond cleaning, a fair charge takes its age into account. A carpet near the end of its life has little value left, so a charge for the full price of new carpet is hard to justify. Our guide to wear and tear and damage has more examples.
If you clean them yourself
- Vacuum slowly in two directions, then go along the edges and under where the furniture stood
- Treat stains with a carpet spot cleaner, testing it first on a hidden corner
- For a full clean, hire a carpet cleaning machine and follow its instructions, without soaking the carpet
- Run the AC and fans until it is completely dry. In humid weather this can take most of a day, and damp carpet can smell or grow mildew
- Finish a day or two before you hand back the keys, then take dated photos of every room
With a move out clean
A move out clean includes vacuuming, but carpet shampoo or steam cleaning is usually priced separately. Ask for it when your cleaner calls to quote, and have the carpets done last, once the rest of the home is clean.
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.