Do tenants have to clean carpets when moving out in California?
Asked by: Prof. Lorine Price | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (72 votes)
In California, tenants must return carpets to the same cleanliness as move-in, minus normal wear and tear, but AB 2801 (effective 2025) clarifies landlords can't charge for professional carpet cleaning unless it's to remove damage beyond normal wear, like significant stains or pet issues, not just general dirt. While some leases require professional cleaning, the law prioritizes returning the unit to its original state, making documentation (move-in/out photos) key to avoiding deposit deductions for routine cleaning.
Are tenants responsible for carpet cleaning in California?
In California, tenants are generally not legally required to professionally clean carpets unless specified in the lease. Normal wear and tear, including minor stains or worn areas present at move-in, typically do not require tenant remediation. Documenting carpet condition at move-in and move-out is crucial.
Do I have to have carpet professionally cleaned end of tenancy?
As of the Tenant Fees Act in 2019, landlords aren't allowed to require tenants to pay for a professional clean, so legally, it isn't required.
What is the California tenant law regarding carpet?
The tenant may be thinking about the expected useful life of carpets traditionally. However, California law does not require landlord to replace carpeting, unless the condition of the carpet creates a health hazard or risk of injury.
Can a landlord charge you for cleaning after you move out in California?
A new CA law (AB2801) prohibits landlords from charging tenants for professional cleaning after the move out, as that type of cleaning is pretty much necessary 100% of the time.
Carpet Cleaning Move Out REQUIREMENTS Will You Get Your Deposit Back?
What is the 80 20 carpet rule in California?
One significant factor for landlords to consider is the “80 carpet rule.” This informal guideline recommends that tenants cover at least 80% of walkable areas with carpeting to minimize noise levels.
Can a landlord deduct carpet cleaning from a security deposit in California?
No. Professional carpet cleaning for normal wear and tear cannot be charged to security deposits. You can only deduct cleaning costs when carpets are substantially dirtier than normal use would cause, such as excessive stains, burns, or pet damage beyond ordinary wear.
What is considered normal wear and tear on carpet in California?
Understanding Normal Wear and Tear
Some common examples of this are: Faded paint: Sunlight exposure naturally fades paint over time. Carpets worn down in high traffic areas: Foot traffic over long periods of time can gradually wear down carpets. Loose doorknobs: Doorknobs experience wear and tear through regular use.
Does the landlord need to change the carpet?
Landlords aren't always legally required to replace carpet at specific intervals, but they must maintain habitable conditions, meaning they typically need to replace it for normal wear and tear, major stains, odors, or health hazards (like mold) within its expected 5-7 year lifespan, though specific state/city laws can vary. While tenants must keep it clean, landlords cover replacement for aging or damaged carpet; tenants are only charged if they cause damage beyond normal use.
What are landlords responsible for in California?
CA law requires landlords to maintain the rental property and conduct repairs that make the rental property unsafe and/or unfit to live in. The rental property may be considered uninhabitable if, including but not limited to, the following exists: Water leaks from the roof, doors, windows, or walls.
Do you have to professionally clean a flat when you move out?
Some tenancy agreements say you must get the property cleaned by a professional when you leave. This is not right. You only have to leave the property as clean as it was when you moved in.
What is the 20 minute rule in cleaning?
The 20-minute cleaning rule, often part of the 20/10 method, is a time-management technique where you focus intensely on cleaning or organizing for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break, repeating as needed, to make tasks feel less overwhelming and build momentum. It's ideal for busy people, as it breaks down big jobs into manageable chunks, preventing procrastination and burnout by incorporating short bursts of focused effort with built-in rewards (the break).
Is carpet a 5 year property?
Under MACRS, carpeting installed in a rental property is considered tangible personal property, not part of the building's structural components. According to IRS guidance and the MACRS tables: Carpeting used in rental property is classified as 5-year property under the General Depreciation System (GDS).
How often should a landlord clean carpet?
Deep clean the carpet professionally every 1-2 years: This will remove embedded dirt and allergens. Use carpet protectors in high-traffic areas: This will help to protect the carpet from spills and stains.
Who is responsible for carpet cleaning, tenant or landlord?
Many leases specify carpet cleaning as part of move-out cleaning requirements, while others do not. In California, for instance, landlords can only charge for carpet cleaning if the tenant left damage beyond normal wear and tear, like significant stains or pet damage.
Do landlords need to professionally clean between tenants?
Landlords must provide a habitable and reasonably clean unit, but laws don't always mandate professional cleaning, though it's highly recommended for a good tenant experience and property value. The landlord is responsible for deep cleaning (cabinets, appliances, bathrooms, floors) and repairs between tenants, though a strong lease might outline tenant duties for move-out cleaning, disputes often arise over what's "reasonably clean" vs. professional quality.
Can a landlord charge you to replace carpet?
What the law does say is that landlords may only deduct from a security deposit when the carpet shows damage beyond normal wear and tear (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5). Courts in the state also consider the carpet's useful life, typically 8 to 10 years.
Is paint normal wear and tear in California?
Normal wear and tear on a rental property in California includes minor signs of aging, such as faded paint or slightly worn carpets.
How long should a landlord expect a carpet to last?
Average Lifespan: Carpets in rental properties generally have an expected lifespan of around 5-10 years, depending on the quality of the carpet and the level of foot traffic. High Traffic Areas: Carpets in high traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms may need replacing more frequently, around every 5-7 years.
Does a tenant have to pay for wear and tear?
Throughout a tenancy, you may notice that the condition of the things in your home may slightly change – this is called wear and tear. It's generally expected to happen over time, and therefore landlords can't deduct from your deposit to pay for it.
Is carpet cleaning normal wear and tear in California?
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the law was clarified by AB 2801 to specify that a tenant cannot be charged for professional carpet cleaning unless reasonably necessary to return the premises to the same level of cleanliness as at move in, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear.
What can a landlord charge for when you move out in California?
A landlord can only deduct certain items from a security deposit. The landlord can deduct for: Cleaning the rental unit when a tenant moves out, but only to make it as clean as when the tenant first moved in. Repairing damage, other than normal wear and tear, caused by the tenant and the tenant's guests.
What is the new renters law in California?
New California rental laws for 2026 focus on essential appliances, security deposits, natural disasters, and bulk internet fees, primarily through AB 628 (requiring working stoves/fridges), AB 414 (electronic security deposits), and SB 610 (disaster rules). Other key changes include extending eviction response times and allowing e-bike storage, while AB 246 protects tenants with delayed Social Security benefits.
Do tenants have to replace carpets?
Generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property, including replacing carpets in cases of normal wear and tear.