[US-CA] I live in California with my landlord who did not charge me a security deposit when I moved in. I am now moving out and want to know if my landlord can charge me any fees. I didn't break anything and they acknowledged I was a great tenant. However, they asked if I wanted to pay a cleaning fee or clean myself.

I've kept the place clean and done a deep clean now that I'm moving out and the place is definitely good and any other tenant would feel clean to move in. I unfortunately do not have good photos of when I moved in but of course the place is not completely spotless there are like a couple of scuffs here and there that I couldn't scrub out. Would they be able to charge a cleaning fee as a professional would be able to do a better job than myself (but I don't think they can get it perfect either)? How can I best navigate this?

Also side note: California law mentions tenants are protected on regular wear and tear but also are expected to get it back to the original move in condition which I'm sure has been talked about often. I'm not sure if my place was professionally cleaned before I moved in but assuming it was and I have to get it back to original condition doesnt that mean I basically have to pay for professionals assuming I'm not one myself?

Thanks in advance

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  • Wear and tear that is expected under normal use cannot be charged to you

    Even if you didn’t pay a security deposit, a landlord can bill you for damages, and if you don’t pay, can, in theory, if they want, sue you for the money 

    In most cases (I’m not sure for outside the security deposit) landlords must provide you with an itemized bill of costs, and it must be within reason of market rate for said services

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  • LL in LA County.

    When you say you live with your LL, do you mean you rent a bedroom and share a kitchen? Or you live in a totally separate unit in an apartment building?

    If the former, I'm quite confused as to how the LL would expect to distinguish your dirt from their dirt in common areas.

    A LL can charge reasonable cleaning costs, but it can't just be a fixed fee that applies regardless of what is necessary.

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  • The place needs to be returned to them in the same condition you received it. What does your lease say regarding move out? If it doesn’t require professional cleaning services, this is a decision you should make.

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