Q: Can landlords in Ohio deduct from my security deposit for professional carpet cleaning if the smell existed at move-in?
I recently moved out of a five-unit apartment building in Ohio after living there for 2.5 years. When I initially viewed the apartment, there was no noticeable smell, but after moving in, there was a strong smell of wet dog due to a previous tenant's service dog. The lease had a clause about service animals but no mention of tenants having pets otherwise. I notified the landlord about the issue when I moved in. Upon moving out, my landlords want to deduct from my security deposit for professional carpet cleaning with pet deodorizer. I initially thought of cleaning it myself but believed it wasn't my responsibility since the issue existed at move-in. Despite completing all other move-out checklist requirements, I'm questioning whether it's legal for them to withhold a portion of my security deposit for this purpose.
A: Your question did not include information as to whether the smell was documented by the landlord and yourself at move in. Otherwise a neccessary cleaning may successfully be withheld.
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