Carpet is one of the most common reasons renters lose part of their security deposit. The good news is that a little planning makes a big difference.
Check your lease first
Some leases require professional carpet cleaning at move-out and ask for a receipt. If yours does, a DIY clean may not count, even if the carpet looks great. If it doesn't, you still want the carpet back in the condition you received it, minus normal wear.
Wear and tear vs. damage
Normal wear and tear is the slow aging that happens with everyday living, like light traffic patterns or some flattening in hallways. Landlords generally can't charge for that. Damage is different: pet urine, large stains, burns, rips and heavy odors are the kind of things that usually lead to deductions.
Take photos on day one
When you move in, photograph every room's carpet, especially existing stains. Do the same at move-out after cleaning. Dated photos are your best protection if there's a disagreement.
Your move-out carpet checklist
- Move all furniture out first so the whole floor can be cleaned.
- Vacuum thoroughly, including edges and closets.
- Treat pet accidents properly. Odor is one of the first things a landlord notices.
- Schedule the cleaning for the last day or two before you hand back the keys, so nothing new gets tracked in.
- Keep the receipt.
Property managers and landlords: we also clean between tenants, so units are ready to show quickly.