The statute compares cleanliness at move-out with cleanliness at the inception of the tenancy.
Professional carpet or other professional cleaning may be charged only when reasonably necessary under § 1950.5.
Covered cleaning deductions after April 1, 2025 require the statutory photographs plus written cost explanation.
A routine turnover clean is not the legal test
The legal question is not whether the landlord normally hires a cleaner after every tenancy. The statute focuses on the condition compared with the beginning of the tenancy and limits deductions to reasonable amounts necessary to restore that level of cleanliness.
Useful evidence for a cleaning dispute
- Move-in condition report and photographs showing preexisting dirt or staining.
- Move-out photographs or video taken after your final cleaning.
- The landlord’s pre-cleaning and post-cleaning photographs required for covered deductions.
- The cleaning invoice, scope of work, labor time and hourly rate if work was done by the landlord or an employee.
Official sources
Use these links to verify the rule directly. RentBillCheck prioritizes California statutes, courts and state-agency guidance over secondary summaries.
Primary law for residential security deposits, deductions, inspections, photographs and return/accounting requirements.
California Department of Real EstateCalifornia Tenants Guide — Moving Out ↗Official practical guidance on deductions, normal wear, carpet, painting, cleaning and inspections.
California Courts — Self-Help GuideGuide to security deposits in California ↗Official court self-help overview of deductions, the 21-day rule, documents and dispute options.