Charged cleaning fee for move out - not explicit in lease
landlord tenant attorney Virginia Jul 25, 2026
Location: Virginia, U.S. In short, I'm being charged for a cleaning fee that "everybody pays" though I think it's not explicitly stated in the lease. I am asking here if this is or is not (in your opinion) stated. On a page that has "additional fees & other charges", there is a charge labeled "Other: Move out cleaning fee" of $150. It is marked as being not included in the rent, a one-time fee and not optional. However, there is another fee that is labeled "Other: Replacement parking decal" of $300. It is marked as not included in the rent, a one-time fee and not optional. From speaking to an associate today, they mentioned that the replacement parking decal is not optional if I should choose to not return my parking decal. These are labeled the same in the section "additional fees & other charges". They are not charging me the $300 for the replacement decal, just the $150 for "cleaning" for moving out. In the section titled "When moving out" there is are two subsections: "Move-out procedures" and "Cleaning". The exact wording: Move out procedures: The move-out date can’t be changed unless we and you both agree in writing. You won’t move out before the lease term or renewal period ends unless all rent for the entire lease term or renewal period is paid in full. Early move-out may result in reletting charges under paragraph 11 (Early Move-Out). You’re prohibited by law from applying any security deposit to rent. You are not permitted to stay beyond the date you are supposed to move out. Cleaning: You must thoroughly clean the apartment, including doors, windows, furniture, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, patios, balconies, garages, carports, and storage rooms. You must follow move-out cleaning instructions if they have been provided. If you don’t clean adequately, you’ll be liable for reasonable cleaning charges. The way in which the cleaning section is worded, it implies to me that the $150 is charged if I do not clean adequately. There is nothing here stating that I must pay $150 because that is the move out cleaning fee. They are claiming that because it is on the "additional fees" section, that counts as being explicitly stated. But I think this implies what the fee would be if I don't clean the apartment adequately. I want to get a few opinions on if this $150 is valid prior to move out. The manager is calling back on Monday to discuss why I have to pay this fee as they've assured me: "it's charged to everyone". TIYA
