CLEANING FEES – WHO PAYS?

In Washington State, if a landlord charges a non-refundable cleaning fee, the tenant cannot be charged for any routine cleaning that exceeds the amount of the fee. If cleaning costs exceed the amount of the cleaning fee, the owner will have to pay the difference. On the other hand, if the tenant is charged a refundable damage/security deposit, the tenant can be charged for any overage.

RCW 59.18.130 (10) The tenant shall not be charged for normal cleaning if he or she has paid a nonrefundable cleaning fee.

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