Can we get out of professionally cleaning our carpet even if it's in the lease?

Question

My roommate and I are moving out of our 2/2 apartment, just built in 2005 (we are the first and only tenants thus far). I recently found out that our lease says that we're responsible for getting the carpet professionally cleaned (no do-it-yourself Rug Doctor) before we move out. I had no idea about this until now. We're never home and have no furniture in the living areas, so the carpets are IMMACULATE -- no stains, odors, matting, anything. The bedrooms have no stains or damage-- just normal wear and tear, and even that's stretching it. Do you think they would reconsider this provision after agreeing to take a look at the apartment and seeing it's in pristine condition?? It would be a total waste of $200 to have a company come out. I'd much rather pay $20 and rent a Rug Doctor for a few hours. Any experiences, advice would be appreciated! =)

I did read the lease, but by the end of signing 20-something pages, I definitely wasn't paying as close attention as I should have. You live, you learn, right?

So let's say I did notice the carpet-cleaning provision looking over the lease: what could have done? Asked them to remove it? Asked that they edit the provision so that I'd only have to have the carpets cleaned if both parties deemed it necessary?

I've been a tenant at a couple different apartment complexes, and this is the only place that's required that the tenant be held responsible for carpet cleaning.

Answer 1

It wouldn't hurt to try and talk to your landlord. However, you did sign a lease agreement that stipulated having the carpet professionally cleaned before you move out. Your landlord might be nice and let you skip the professional cleaning. If not, you will know next time to read everything on the lease papers.

Answer 2

I live in Wisconsin and even if a landlord has this stipulation in the lease you are not obligated because a "dirty carpet is considered normal wear and tear that cannot be deducted out of a deposit and you cannot be made to pay for it. Also I'm not sure how old the place is but landlords are required to replace a carpet every couple of years. They rarely do and not many people know this so be aware of your rights. Other comments have stated "you signed the lease you have to do it" this is not true, what if the lease said you owe him $1,0000 if you have out? Of course you wouldn't. Contracts are never set in stone. Speak with your local housing department and they can give you the skinny.

Answer 3

You can only ask. But since it's in your lease (why didn't you read the least before signing it?) the landlord will be fully within their rights to deduct the cost from your security deposit if you don't provide proof of professional cleaning upon move-out.

Edit: If you really want to see an eye-opener, pick up a cheap battery operated black light at Radio Shack. Turn out the lights at night and flip on the black light. You'll probably see plenty of glowing spots on the carpet. Each of those spots identifies an organic deposit on the carpet -- mucus, saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, etc. NOW you know why the LL wants the carpeting professionally cleaned -- and why you will probably insist on it in your next rental! (This is why I required it on my rentals when I was a landlord myself. It is totally GROSS!)

Answer 4

This is a good example as to why we need to read everything we sign. I guess you have learned a valuable lesson in this. Even though as you say, the place doesn't need a professional cleaning, but you signed the lease that says you have to get it professionally cleaned. You could try talking to the Landlord, he may agree but don't be surprise, if he does not. You did after all sign the lease. It is a legal binding agreement.

He could take you to court.

Have a nice evening.

Answer 5

Normally, ignorance of the rules (or law) is no excuse. So, yeah, you should do it.
Unless you must produce a receipt for a job from the high-priced people, you should be able to rent a unit and do it yourself (for much less).