Q: How long after moving out can you get charged for cleaning?
I moved out end of June 2019. I got my security deposited back within the 21 days as expected. I just got an invoice dated April 2nd 2020 for cleaning that supposedly happened on June 30th 2019. It doesnt included a receipt or anything proving they brought in the cleaner either. Can they still charge me for something that supposedly happened almost a year ago?
A: Arguably a landlord may return the security deposit in full and then seek contract damages. This makes some sense for the landlord because if the tenant challenges a security deposit violation then the landlord can be on the hook for double damages and tenant's attorney fees. In this case, if you challenged the claim in court and won then there is no penalty or fee shifting assessed against the landlord. Contract claims in Wisconsin have a six year statute of limitations. At a minimum, you should ask for a receipt showing that the work was performed and inquire as to why you are being charged for cleaning.
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