{"id":369283,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning.html"},"modified":"2026-10-01T17:48:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T22:48:00","slug":"what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-can-a-landlord-deduct-from-a-security-deposit-for-cleaning.html","title":{"rendered":"What Costs Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit for Cleaning and Repairs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Costs Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit for Cleaning and Repairs?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 01, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>Landlords can deduct <span data-term-id=\"60157289\">cleaning costs<\/span> and repair expenses from a <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> only when the damage goes beyond <span data-term-id=\"60157287\">normal wear and tear<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>Everyday issues like <span data-term-id=\"60157297\">faded paint<\/span>, worn carpet, or minor <span data-term-id=\"60157292\">nail holes<\/span> can\u2019t be charged to the tenant.<\/li>\n<li>Excessive filth, intentional damage, or <span data-term-id=\"60157288\">unpaid rent<\/span> are valid deductions, but they must be reasonable and allowed under state law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Most landlords and property management companies ask for a\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>\u00a0\u2014 often equal to one month\u2019s rent \u2014 before the tenant or renter moves in. The <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> offers the landlord reassurance if the tenant damages the rental unit or leaves without paying rent. A <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> can also cover <span data-term-id=\"60157301\">cleaning fees<\/span> if the rental unit is left excessively dirty.<\/p>\n<p>Landlords, however, must follow state law when deducting the deposit. State deposit laws vary. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ny\/general-obligations-law\/gob-sect-7-103\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York landlords<\/a> can keep 1% of the <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> for <span data-term-id=\"60157325\">administrative fees<\/span>. But they\u00a0cannot collect a <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> greater than one month\u2019s rent. Rental property owners in New York must also place the <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> in an <span data-term-id=\"60157321\">interest-bearing account<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>This article explores the deductions landlords can make from a tenant\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>. Tenants with specific questions should consult their state <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> laws or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">talk to a local attorney<\/a> for the most up-to-date legal information.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is <span data-term-id=\"60157287\">Normal Wear and Tear<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60157287\">Normal wear and tear<\/span> refers to defects resulting from expected ordinary wear over time. Landlords cannot use the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposits.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span><\/a> to cover the <span data-term-id=\"60157311\">repair costs<\/span> of <span data-term-id=\"60157287\">normal wear and tear<\/span> in a rental property.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The following is a list of examples of <span data-term-id=\"60157287\">normal wear and tear<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60157297\">Faded paint<\/span> or wallpaper due to sunlight<\/li>\n<li>Broken plumbing caused by everyday use<\/li>\n<li>Dirty blinds and curtains<\/li>\n<li>Rug wear caused by everyday use<\/li>\n<li>Dents in walls from door handles<\/li>\n<li>Faded curtains<\/li>\n<li>Broken light bulbs<\/li>\n<li>Replacement batteries for smoke detectors<\/li>\n<li>Non-excessive <span data-term-id=\"60157292\">nail <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60157316\">holes<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60157316\"> in the walls<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Broken tiles or fixtures in bathrooms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These issues are more likely to happen naturally over time. Tenants are not responsible for paying for these minor defects, regardless of whether the landlord plans to repair them.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60157286\">Security Deposits<\/span> Cover Non-<span data-term-id=\"60157287\">Normal Wear and Tear<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Landlords can deduct from the deposit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-tips-for-managing-property.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60157305\">property damages<\/span><\/a> that exceed <span data-term-id=\"60157287\">normal wear and tear<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>The following is a list of examples of damages that go beyond <span data-term-id=\"60157287\">normal wear and tear<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Removing paint that the tenant added<\/li>\n<li>Tears, holes, or burn marks on carpets or curtains<\/li>\n<li>Broken windows and window screens<\/li>\n<li>Broken doors and locks<\/li>\n<li>Excessive filth or grime in or on the stove<\/li>\n<li>Water damage<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60157322\">Pet <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60157298\">damage<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60157298\"> beyond <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60157287\">normal wear and tear<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These issues are more likely to happen based on the tenant\u2019s behavior. They also usually incur more repair expenses, and landlords may even have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/is-my-landlord-responsible-for-repairs.html\">legal duty to fix them<\/a> before a new tenant can move in. <span data-term-id=\"60157293\">Security deposit<\/span><span data-term-id=\"60157293\"> deductions<\/span> help cover their expenses.<\/p>\n<h2>Can Landlords Deduct <span data-term-id=\"60157301\">Cleaning Fees<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, property managers can often deduct <span data-term-id=\"60157289\">cleaning costs<\/span> as state laws allow. These deductions must be reasonable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For example, leaving unwanted furniture behind obligates the landlord to remove it, so they may deduct a <span data-term-id=\"60157301\">cleaning fee<\/span> for their time or a hired service. However, the cost they deduct should reasonably match the level of effort or expense.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cleaning should be limited to restoring the unit to its original state when you first moved in, but it shouldn\u2019t include costs to improve the unit. If the tenant leaves the unit as clean as it was at move-in, they should not be liable for extra costs for unnecessary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-cleaning-business.html\">cleaning services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Allowable Deductions<\/h2>\n<p>In most states, landlords can deduct any <span data-term-id=\"60157288\">unpaid rent<\/span> and allowable <span data-term-id=\"60157304\">late fees<\/span> from the <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>. One purpose of the <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> is to ensure the landlord doesn\u2019t lose money if the tenant fails to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rent-security-deposits.html\">pay rent<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Tips for Getting Your Entire <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">Security Deposit<\/span> Returned<\/h2>\n<p>First, check your lease or <span data-term-id=\"60157307\">rental agreement<\/span> for information on your <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>. Some leases outline a time frame to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-return-timelines.html\">return the deposit<\/a>. If your lease is silent on this issue, check your state&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>\u00a0laws<\/a>. These laws may limit the amount of the <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html\">state laws<\/a>\u00a0should also provide a time frame for your former landlord or property manager to return your deposit. Otherwise, it sets how long they have to provide an <span data-term-id=\"60157300\">itemized list of deductions<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Although you can file a claim in <span data-term-id=\"60157291\">small claims court<\/span> to get your deposit back, you can also send a demand letter to your former landlord via certified mail with a return receipt. The return receipt can serve as evidence in a <span data-term-id=\"60157291\">small claims court<\/span> case. If your former landlord still doesn&#8217;t return the deposit, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-court.html\">going to <span data-term-id=\"60157291\">small claims court<\/span><\/a> to get your money back.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>If you\u2019re a landlord, failure to follow security deposit laws can lead to a lawsuit in small claims court, which is often costly if the court favors the former tenant. An experienced attorney can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find local legal help.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>How Can I Ensure I Get All of My <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">Security Deposit<\/span> Back?<\/h2>\n<p>Getting your <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> returned after the end of your lease should be one of your primary goals. Since landlords cannot charge for everyday wear and tear, you can focus on keeping the apartment in good condition.<\/p>\n<h3>While Moving In<\/h3>\n<p>Do your own move-in inspection to document any potential damage. Take photos of existing defects. Some property owners allow you to inspect independently, while others may accompany you.<\/p>\n<p>Give your landlord a copy of the inspection and any documentation during move-in. This inspection can serve as a baseline and evidence if you have to go to court to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposit-laws-can-help-get-your-deposit-back.html\">recover your <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>During Your Tenancy<\/h3>\n<p>You can also take steps while you are in the rental unit to help ensure your landlord <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/get-legal-help-with-a-tenants-rights-issue.html\">returns your full <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A few examples of these measures include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hiring professional cleaning or landscaping maintenance<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60157294\">Repainting<\/span>, if necessary and allowed under the lease<\/li>\n<li>Taking care of minor repairs, such as changing light bulbs<\/li>\n<li>Reporting any damage to the landlord immediately<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Your landlord must follow state and local laws involving your security deposit. If you haven&#8217;t received your deposit, or you believe your landlord withheld more than legally allowed, you have legal options. An experienced attorney can help recover the money you\u2019re legally owed. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a lawyer near you.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Before Moving Out<\/h3>\n<p>Follow all the move-out procedures in your <span data-term-id=\"60157290\">lease agreement<\/span>. Many landlords ask for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/sample-letter-to-landlord.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60157319\">written notice<\/span><\/a> of your intent to vacate the rental unit before the last month of your lease. This gives them time to vet and prepare for a new tenant.<\/p>\n<p>Send your landlord a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/terminating-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs.html\">lease termination<\/a> letter via certified letter with return receipt that includes the following information:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Name<\/li>\n<li>Phone number<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60157313\">Forwarding address<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Proposed move-out date<\/li>\n<li>Request for final walk-through\/<span data-term-id=\"60157295\">move-out inspection<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Request for <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> return<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This letter ensures your landlord has a <span data-term-id=\"60157313\">forwarding address<\/span> and documents your request for a walk-through and <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> return. The walk-through allows your landlord to identify what needs repair. Making these repairs yourself can help preserve your <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>While Moving Out<\/h3>\n<p>Avoid additional charges and <span data-term-id=\"60157301\">cleaning fees<\/span> by taking precautions, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Removing all personal belongings from the unit<\/li>\n<li>Disposing of all trash and recyclables<\/li>\n<li>Taking more photos of the empty unit, including any defects you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/repairs-maintenance.html\">requested to repair<\/a> during the tenancy<\/li>\n<li>Turning in your keys as the landlord instructs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Landlords should create a list of the repairs (including <span data-term-id=\"60157296\">cost of repairs<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"60157289\">cleaning costs<\/span>) to include in an <span data-term-id=\"60157302\">itemized statement<\/span>. They should then send the <span data-term-id=\"60157302\">itemized statement<\/span> to the tenant via certified mail with a return receipt. The return receipt serves as proof the former tenant received the statement.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help Asserting Your <span data-term-id=\"60157286\">Security Deposit<\/span> Rights<\/h2>\n<p>Deductions must be reasonable and transparent. If your landlord refuses to return your\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60157286\">security deposit<\/span> fairly, consider speaking to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant attorney<\/a>. You can get advice about your rights and options under <span data-term-id=\"60157309\">landlord-tenant laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant lawyers<\/a> can connect you with qualified legal help near you. Because state law matters, your attorney should be licensed in the state where you live. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, areas of practice, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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                 for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Legal guidance can be helpful if the problem involves money, safety, or a lease violation<\/span>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You don&#8217;t need an attorney for small claims court, but having legal help is beneficial\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or landlord-tenant issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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             <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-small-claims-court.html\">\n                        Do I Need a Lawyer for Small Claims Court?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-disputes.html\">\n                        Neighbor Disputes\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord\/Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foreclosure and Alternatives Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn whether your landlord&#8217;s cleaning fees and other security deposit deductions are fair. FindLaw shares what your landlord can\u2014and can\u2019t\u2014charge you for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369187,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","_cf_multicollab_revision_bundle":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369283","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369283"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":414037,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369283\/revisions\/414037"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369283"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369283"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}