Hi, sorry to follow up on such an old post, but I would be very interested in an example of the language of the carpet cleaning clause you use. Yes, I understand if challenged I would remove charge but I think in most cases, people are reasonable and accept what they agree to. This is for an Alberta Property.
Dave, this is what I have in my contract,
Clause: Additional Obligations on Termination,
.1 Without limiting the landlord rights available in law or pursuant to this lease, the tenant acknowledges and agrees that, upon any termination of this lease (by the landlord, at the end of the Term or any other termination whatsoever), the tenant shall:
(a) have any carpets included with the premises professionally cleaned by a reputable carpet cleaning company acceptable to the landlord (acting reasonably) and shall not, due to the damages that can be caused to the underlay and other flooring, use hand held carpet cleaning machines operated by non-professionals to clean carpets; and
(b) thoroughly clean the premises, including all bathrooms including all bathrooms (including toilets bathtubs and sinks) as well as ovens and refrigerators, inside and out, and, where the landlord determines, in the Landlord’s sole discretion that the tenant has not complied with this section, the landlord may engage professional cleaners to clean the premises (including any carpets) to the satisfaction of the landlord and all costs thereof shall be paid by the tenant.
I have to say that there are hardly any carpets left in any of my units, but for the few that do I already lay out all expectations on move in date, for when vacating the premises in the future, turning over a spotless unit and expect to get it returned the same way clean and without any damages, with the exception of normal wear and tear.
When a tenant with Pet moves in they will be told that carpets will be cleaned and cost deducted after the move out, and any non refundable pet fee paid upfront is merely granting them the right to hold a pet in the unit, but any damages or extra cleaning charges will still come out of their regular damage deposit.
Make sure you follow everything up with supporting documentation, such as pet addendum with obligations, tenant cleaning list with breakdown of expectations 2 weeks before they move out, and of course a move out inspection report dated and signed by all parties.
In all this, always be reasonable and courteous, no one wants to be taken for a ride, looking at myself I wouldn’t, but when all above is in place you will for sure never have any issues.
I have had zero
Kind Regards