Some landlords charge a specific fee designated for cleaning or other purposes. In order to charge a fee, the landlord must clearly document what the charge is for. Thus, the amount asked for must be reasonable for the purpose asked. If a landlord charges both a fee and a deposit for a specific purpose, the landlord must deduct any applicable costs first from the fee and then, if necessary, from the deposit. Regardless of whether a landlord charges a fee or a deposit, the landlord has a duty to make sure a rental unit is clean and fit to rent before each new tenancy.
Prepaid rent is another common deposit requested by landlords.
Tenants may apply the prepaid rent to the tenants last month in the unit. If a tenant moves out owing rent, however, the landlord may claim from the prepaid rent deposit the amount reasonably necessary to cover the tenant's unpaid rent. The landlord must make all reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit to minimize the costs to the former tenant and losses to the landlord. The landlord must return the balance of the prepaid rent, if any, to the tenant, with an accounting of what was kept and why. Prepaid rent may not be used to cover other extraordinary expenses.