Tenant To Clean Carpets when Renewing A Contract?

Question

Should a tenant be required to clean the carpets when they renew their contract & they have been there for two or three years?

Answer 1

Not if it isn't spelled out in the terms of their lease.

Answer 2

Yes.

Answer 3

No, unless they are moving out they can have it dirty if they like living that way.

Answer 4

California law tells landlords, "You cannot force your tenants to clean the carpet, but you can hold them responsible for your cleaning expense when you [clean the carpet]."

However, you have to do anything you agreed to when signing your lease.  If it's not in your lease, you do not have to.  However (again) your landlord doesn't have to renew your lease either...  It all depends on whether they will refuse to renew your lease, and if you are willing to move and then pay them to clean the carpet.

FYI: In CA, landlords can require a receipt from a prfessional cleaning company to prove you sanitized the carpet.  They do not have to accept your rent-a-cleaner receipt.