Q: Can a landlord rightfully deny to clean a dirty apartment and remove furniture from a previous tenant?
I have signed a lease to rent a property but have yet to hand in the $2000 check which includes the security deposit and first-month's rent. The landlord refuses to clean the dusty and moldy apartment and remove furniture (sofa, bedside-tables, bookshelf, empty fish tank) which are not defined as part of the contract. What can I do? And, does the landlord have any obligation in this case?
A:
Normally, a landlord will demand that the property be cleaned at the conclusion of the prior rental. However, the condition of the property at the start of your rental is likely not covered by the contract. If you want to rent, then is guess the former tenants items and dust appear to be a problem that you have to deal with. Also, you have signed a lease, and if the lease is silent about the condition of the property going into the lease and the landlord's attitude at the start of the lease, then keep that in mind as the rental goes forward.
I suggest that you consult with a landlord tenant lawyer in your area and have the lawyer review the lease agreement before you proceed.
I also suggest that you document the condition of the property with pictures and video. (I suggest that you do a silent video only, ie: no commentary of the video just images).
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