Who’s got to clean the carpet?

Legal Q&A: Who’s got to clean the carpet?

Question: How long do I have to mail the tenant the itemized security deposit?

Answer: You need to send an accounting for the use of the security deposit within 21 days from the date you took back possession. If you do not have all of the amounts or receipts in time, you should give the tenant an estimate and then send the final amount within 14 days after you receive the final amounts and/or receipts.

Question: I have a lease with a tenant that terminates next month, and he has been given notice that the  lease is not being renewed. If he does not vacate, do I serve a three-day Notice to Quit for Breach  of Covenant?

Answer: You do not have to serve any notice to quit for a tenant who holds over on a fixed-term lease unless you have an automatic renewal clause in your lease. 

Question: Is there a state law that requires a landlord to professionally clean a carpet prior to reoccupancy?

Answer: No, however the tenant is obligated to leave the premises in the same state of cleanliness that the carpet was in when she/he moved in.