Most leases require a tenant to return the property in clean and habitable condition, free from debris. But when a tenant moves out at the end of their lease and leaves behind rubbish, SOMEONE must dispose of their remaining trash.
Although exact handling may vary from state to state, in Virginia, the charge for removal of such rubbish is an expense that we charge against the security deposit, just like any other damages. If it's just an item or two, a property manager may be able to toss it in the trash themselves, but when it's a large amount of "stuff" a dump run may be necessary and the contractor who does this type of work (commonly called a "trash-out") is hired.
What many people do not realize, is that the contractors who perform this type of work, do so for bank owned properties as well. When an REO needs a trash-out, they have VERY DEEP POCKETS and are not concerned about the expense. Consequently, the contractors doing this work commonly set their prices VERY HIGH since they know the entity paying is not sensitive to price. That expense is rolled in with all the other charges associated with a foreclosure. But when it's a tenant who must bear that expense, the prices have already been set high by the industry (see laws of supply and demand as it impacts prices.)
Property managers WANT to issue a full refund of security deposit with no deductions, because that means you left the property as clean as we expected and it can quickly be turned around for a new tenant. So a word to the wise for tenants, leaving trash behind in a property is much more expensive than you may have thought, so read your lease and be certain to complete whatever cleaning is expected of you on departure.
Comments(3)