How to itemize security deposit deductions

Security deposit returns are often one of the biggest issues when a tenant moves out because there is confusion about how much money the landlord deducted from the security deposit.

In this article we will break down security deposit returns and provide you with tips on how to navigate this process.

The Landlord’s Itemized Security Deposit Deductions List

While you can copy this list wholesale, we recommend paying attention to your own local market. If you know for a fact that your hardwood guy charges $1,000 per room, make that known to your tenant. The more accurate you can be now, the fewer surprised tenants you’ll deal with later.

General cleaning and repairs

• Sweep, vacuum, and mop: $50
• Dust and wash trim: $25
• Wipe down walls: $25
• General labor (cleaning, painting, normal repairs, trash removal, etc.): $25–$40/hour
• Specialty labor (electric, drywall repair, plumbing, etc.): $70–$100/hour

Damages, repairs, and disposal

• Repair drywall
  • 6′ by 6′ room: $75
  • 12′ by 12′ room: $150
• Wash light fixture (each): $15
• Replace interior door: $100
• Replace exterior door: $250
• Clean ceiling fan: $25
• Change light bulb (each): $5
• Replace smoke detector batteries: $25
• Replace carbon monoxide detector batteries: $25
• Replace smoke detector: $75
• Replace carbon monoxide detector: $75
• Replace window blinds: $40
• Replace sliding door blinds: $60
• Carpet cleaning (normal): $150
• Carpet cleaning (deep clean): $200
• Carpet spot cleaning (each): $15
• Replace carpet (12′ by 12′ room): $500
• Replace wood, vinyl, laminate, etc. flooring (12′ by 12′ room): $500
• Repaint one room: $300
• Repair kitchen cabinet: $150
• Repair kitchen drawer: $150
• Wash window (including tracks, inside): $20
• Fill nail holes: $25
• Replace interior door knob: $25
• Replace exterior door lock: $50
• Pest or rodent extermination: $150

Exterior

• Trash removal (per load): $100
• Mow lawn: $35–$75
• Weed flower beds: $35–$100

Cleaning: Kitchen

• Clean kitchen (normal): $150
• Clean kitchen (deep): $300
• Oven and stove: $75
• Refrigerator: $75
• Dishwasher: $75
• Microwave: $25
• Cabinets: $200
• Countertops: $25
• Sweep and mop floors: $25
• Dust and wash trim: $15
• Wipe down walls: $25
• Drip pan replacement: $35

Cleaning: Living and dining room, office, and recreation room

• Cleaning (normal): $100
• Cleaning (deep): $200
• Sweep, vacuum, and mop: $50
• Dust and wash trim: $25
• Wipe down walls: $25

Cleaning: Bathrooms

• Cleaning (normal): $100
• Cleaning (deep): $200
• Bathtub or shower: $50
• Sink: $25
• Cabinet: $25
• Toilet: $25
• Sweep and mop floors: $25
• Dust and wash trim: $25
• Wipe down walls: $25
• Wipe down fixtures: $15

Cleaning: Bedrooms

• Cleaning (normal): $100
• Cleaning (deep): $200

Of course, make sure you add a caveat: “This list has been prepared for your information only. Actual charges will vary.”

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