A tenant’s cleanliness habits don’t just affect them and their unit; their choices also affect their landlord and every person who lives nearby. One dirty tenant can cause pests, odors, and avoidable damage. As the property’s owner, this could cost you money, time, and even your reputation.
Sending a notice to a tenant to clean their property can help you intervene before the situation escalates. It sets clear expectations, reiterates lease requirements, and informs tenants of possible consequences.
We understand it’s a frustrating situation, especially when you do everything you can to support your investment’s long-term success. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to send a clear, legally-compliant cleanliness notice to your renters. We’ll also cover next steps if they don’t fix the issue and how to use your lease agreement to prevent these problems in the first place.
When should you notify tenants about cleanliness issues?
Most cleanliness issues start silently. A neighbor may complain about pests coming from the property, or a repairman may notify you after visiting it. When a renter’s poor housekeeping becomes obvious, remind them of their obligations to keep the unit clean.
As a responsible landlord, it’s critical to reach out to your property’s occupants if any of the following occur:
Code violations: Each state has its own health, safety, and fire codes. If a renter violates these local guidelines, that’s your sign to take immediate action. If not, you could be liable as the property’s owner.
Breach of lease: If a resident breaks the terms outlined in your rental contract, you’ll need to step in. Otherwise, you risk the issue escalating.
Property damage: In extreme cases, an individual’s uncleanliness can cause property damage requiring costly repairs, such as mold or pest infestations.
Harm to the tenant or others: If the situation causes harm to the renter or their neighbors, it’s your responsibility to intervene. Depending on the circumstances, the other affected residents could sue the property’s owner since their occupant is interfering with their peaceful enjoyment of their unit.
Remember, cleanliness isn’t a minor detail you can overlook. It affects your property’s condition, the health and happiness of other neighbors, and the long-term profitability of your rental.
3 Things to Do Before Notifying the Tenant
If you learn about a cleanliness issue and believe it’s time to send a formal Notice to Tenant to Clean Property, take a moment to look into the situation further. You’ll want to get a clear understanding of what’s going on and why it may be happening, especially if it’s the first time the individual has caused a problem.
These best practices can help you proceed with clarity:
1. Assess the Situation to Identify Red Flags
When determining whether the resident is taking proper care of the rental unit, landlords need to know what to look for. As mentioned, it’s crucial to be aware of issues related to health, fire, and safety hazards, including:
Hoarding: Hoarding can create serious problems, but it’s particularly troublesome when doing so blocks entryways or air vents. These obstructions can make the unit unsafe by preventing proper ventilation and causing fire hazards.
Mold: If someone fails to clean the bathroom and kitchen or doesn’t report a leaking pipe to their landlord, mold can develop quickly. Beyond being unsightly and causing unpleasant odors, mold can trigger serious health problems, impact the property’s structural integrity, and require costly repairs.
Animal waste: While you may have received a pet deposit, the renter is still responsible for properly disposing of their pet waste. If left unattended, it attracts pests and creates unsanitary conditions, posing a threat to health and safety.
Excessive garbage: Whether it’s piles of paper, empty boxes, or everyday trash, letting these items accumulate can lead to bigger issues. It can block pathways, create fire hazards, and make shared living spaces unpleasant for neighbors.
Pests: Signs of rodents, roaches, or other pests signal other cleanliness concerns. Seasonal pest control is a great preventive measure, but if the issue persists, it may indicate larger problems requiring immediate intervention.
Unpleasant odors: Overpowering smells often indicate other problems, such as blocked drains, spoiled food, or dirty dishes left to sit for a long time. If you don’t address the source of the smell, it could disturb other nearby residents.
Plumbing issues: Blocked drains and plumbing fixtures can cause significant, expensive problems for the rental unit. If you don’t intervene, it could spread to other properties sharing the same plumbing system.
Toxic chemicals: Residents must properly store all toxic chemicals, as they pose a significant danger to everyone on the property, especially children and pets. Be on the lookout for sticky surfaces and strange substances.
Keep a close eye out for all of these issues, but use discretion. Remember, there’s a difference between a serious mold issue and a few pieces of trash left on the property’s patio.
2. Consider Reaching Out
Illness, death in the family, or divorce can cause tenants to fall behind on their cleaning responsibilities. Before sending the tenant a notice to clean their property, we recommend having a candid conversation or sending them a friendly email. In some cases, a simple reminder is all you need to get the tenant to resolve the issue.
3. Know the Law
If a tenant’s mental health condition or disability causes the issue, you’ll need to tread carefully. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords to consider reasonable accommodations before escalating the issue to consequences like eviction (Fair Housing Act).
For more information about housing discrimination laws, read our guide on landlord-tenant rights.
Depending on the circumstance, give them extra time to clean or connect them with a cleaning service.
How to Write a Notice to Tenant to Clean Property
When notifying a renter about cleanliness concerns, your letter should clearly state the issue, reference relevant sections of the lease agreement, and list any potential consequences. Here’s what you need to know:
Understanding Its General Structure and Purpose
Here’s how to organize your Notice to Tenant to Clean Property:
- Start with an introduction explaining your purpose for writing the letter, then segue into the details of the situation.
- Next, body paragraphs should provide specific information about the cleanliness issues involved, any code or lease violations, and their effect on the property. They should also explain what actions the resident must take and specify deadlines for doing so.
- Finally, end the letter with a polite conclusion, letting them know they can contact you if they have any additional questions or concerns.
Specific Items to Include in a Notice to Tenant to Clean Property
After you set up your document, make sure it covers the following information:
- Date
- Tenant’s name and property address (including the unit number, if applicable)
- A detailed description of the cleanliness problem
- Reference to any specific lease violations
- Description of how the tenant can remedy the problem
- A deadline for complying with the Notice to Tenant to Clean Property
- Details of a follow-up inspection (if applicable)
- Consequences if the tenant fails to comply with the notice
- Landlord’s signature and contact information
Pro tip: We recommend attaching a copy of your rental agreement and highlighting any relevant sections.
Sending a Notice to Clean Property
When you complete the document, deliver it to the renter. Ideally, you’ll want to use a method requiring signature confirmation, such as Certified Mail.
Always keep a copy of the documents in your personal files, noting the delivery method and any other relevant details. If the issue escalates into a lawsuit or eviction, you can use these records to prove you informed the resident of the problem and they ignored it.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
As mentioned, use your letter to set a clear timeline for re-inspection, explaining how you’ll confirm their compliance. We recommend scheduling a quick follow-up visit to ensure the occupant fixes the problem. Be sure to take notes, photos, and videos to create a paper trail in case it leads to a dispute.
3 Things to Do If Tenants Don’t Fix The Issue
You’ve notified the renter, but nothing’s changed. In these cases, you may have to escalate the issue and take further action. Here’s an overview of the options you have to mitigate damages and protect your investment.
1. Send a Notice of Non-Renewal of Lease
If the lease is close to expiring, your best option may be to send them a Notice of Non-Renewal of Lease. Landlords use this letter to inform their renters that they won’t be renewing their contract at the end of the agreement.
2. Initiate Eviction Proceedings
Extreme situations could lead to significant health and safety violations. In this case, you may need to evict the tenant. We recommend speaking with a legal professional before beginning the process. To prepare, keep a record of any communications or official notices related to the issue.
Keep in mind: There are certain cases where evicting someone violates federal law. For example, hoarding can be considered a mental disorder. In these situations, the eviction could be considered a discriminatory act in violation of the FHA (Fair Housing Act).
3. Withhold the Security Deposit
If they haven’t fixed the hygiene issue when their lease ends, you may be able to use their security deposit to cover cleaning costs and any related damages. Before withholding any funds, make sure you check your state’s security deposit laws.
3 Tips for Maintaining a Clean Rental Unit
No landlord wants to deal with cleanliness-related headaches. Follow these best practices to reduce the chances of facing sanitation issues in the future:
1. Add a Cleanliness Clause to the Lease
In addition to thorough tenant screening, it’s crucial to include a detailed cleanliness clause in your lease that outlines your property maintenance rules and expectations. Landlords use these contract terms to:
- Provide specific instructions on how to maintain the property while setting the standard for the property’s cleanliness.
- Incentivize renters to keep their space clean by describing the consequences for failing to do so.
- Establish legal grounds in case you get into a dispute over cleanliness issues, leading to eviction proceedings or withholding their security deposit.
Here’s a sample cleanliness clause for your reference:
CLEANLINESS. Tenant(s) is responsible for cleaning all areas of the premises, including but not limited to, the living room, dining room, kitchen, hallways, laundry room, bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, outdoor walkways, and parking spaces. To prevent the infestation of rodents and insects, tenant(s) must remove any collected trash and food waste from the premises at least once a week. Carpets and rugs must be vacuumed at least once a week. Hardwood floors or tiles must be swept once a week. Bathrooms must be cleaned regularly, and as frequently as needed, to prevent the formation of mold and mildew. If the tenant(s) does not clean adequately and regularly, the tenant(s) will be liable for reasonable cleaning charges – including charges for cleaning carpets, draperies, furniture, walls, etc. that are soiled beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord reserves the right to hire a recurring professional cleaning service if the tenant(s) are not keeping the premises clean and sanitary. This expense will be the responsibility of the tenant(s). Continued failure to abide by this clause may result in the eviction of the tenant(s).
We recommend adding specific tasks to the clause based on your rental property. You should also include a move-out checklist in the lease to help renters understand which specific items they’re responsible for cleaning.
2. Schedule Periodic Inspections
Once a renter begins their lease, conduct periodic inspections to ensure they’re keeping the property clean. Besides helping to maintain the property’s cleanliness, they also help landlords proactively address repairs.
Each state has specific requirements for notifying residents about when you’ll be entering their premises. Here’s a helpful chart outlining the legal guidelines for all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
| State | Amount of Notice | Form of Notice |
| Alabama | 2 days | None specified (Ala. Code § 35-9A-303) |
| Alaska | 24 hours | None specified (AS § 34.03.140) |
| Arizona | 2 days | None specified (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1343) |
| Arkansas | None | Not applicable |
| California | Reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) | Written (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954) |
| Colorado | 24 hours (only related to inspection and treatment of bed bugs) | Written (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-503) |
| Connecticut | Reasonable Notice | Written or Oral (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16) |
| Delaware | 48 hours | Written (Del. Code tit. 25, § 5509) |
| Florida | Reasonable notice (12 hours for repairs) | None specified (Fla. Stat. § 83.53) |
| Georgia | None | Not applicable |
| Hawaii | 2 days | None specified (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-53) |
| Idaho | None | Not applicable |
| Illinois | None | Not applicable |
| Indiana | Reasonable notice | Written or Oral (Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6) |
| Iowa | 24 hours | None specified (Iowa Code § 562A.19) |
| Kansas | Reasonable notice | None specified (Kan. Stat. § 58-2557) |
| Kentucky | 2 days | None specified (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.615) |
| Louisiana | None | Not applicable |
| Maine | 24 hours | None specified (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 6025) |
| Maryland | None | Not applicable |
| Massachusetts | None | Not applicable |
| Michigan | None | Not applicable |
| Minnesota | Reasonable notice | None specified (Minn. Stat. § 504B.211) |
| Mississippi | None | Not applicable |
| Missouri | None | Not applicable |
| Montana | 24 hours | Email, hand delivery, certified mail, or posted on the main entry door (Mont. Code § 70-24-312) |
| Nebraska | 24 hours | None specified (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423) |
| Nevada | 24 hours | None specified (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.330) |
| New Hampshire | Reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) | None specified (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3) |
| New Jersey | Reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) | None specified (N.J. Stat. § 5:10-5.1) |
| New Mexico | 24 hours | Written (N.M. Stat. § 47-8-24) |
| New York | None | Not applicable |
| North Carolina | None | Not applicable |
| North Dakota | Reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) | None specified (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.3) |
| Ohio | 24 hours | None specified (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04) |
| Oklahoma | 1 day | None specified (Okla. Stat. tit. 41, § 128) |
| Oregon | 24 hours | None specified (Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.725) |
| Pennsylvania | None | Not applicable |
| Rhode Island | 2 days | None specified (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26) |
| South Carolina | 24 hours | None specified (S.C. Code § 27-40-530) |
| South Dakota | None | Not applicable |
| Tennessee | None | None specified |
| Texas | None | Not applicable |
| Utah | 24 hours (unless the lease agreement has different terms) | None specified (Utah Code § 57-22-4) |
| Vermont | 48 hours | None specified (Vt. Stat. tit. 9, § 4460) |
| Virginia | 72 hours | None specified (Va. Code § 55.1-1229) |
| Washington | 2 days | Written (unless emergency or impractical) (Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150) |
| Washington, D.C. | 48 hours (unless the tenant agrees to a shorter period) | Written (D.C. Code § 42-3505.51) |
| West Virginia | None | Not applicable |
| Wisconsin | 12 hours | None specified (Wis. Stat. § 704.05) |
| Wyoming | None | Not applicable |
If your lease agreement or state has no specific timeframe, you should still tell the renter in advance. As a best practice, try to give residents at least 24 hours’ notice, unless it’s an emergency.
Keep in mind: Certain states have laws prohibiting landlords from performing periodic inspections. For example, California doesn’t permit landlords to conduct general inspections without a permissible purpose (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954). Always check your local laws and mention any periodic inspections in your lease agreement.
3. Share Cleaning Guidelines and Support
Providing tenants with the information and resources they need can help keep your property clean and well-maintained. Consider sharing a cleaning checklist or the contact information for affordable cleaning services. By taking preventive action and offering help, you can prevent issues from escalating into bigger problems.
Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Good Communication
While you can’t control what someone does on your property, you can foster transparency and good communication. Keeping in touch with your occupants may not solve everything, but it does help you stay informed about what’s happening on your property.
Taking a proactive stance in communication can help you identify red flags and catch issues early, before they spiral into larger disputes.
We hope this guide on sending a notice to your tenant to clean their property helps you stay ahead of potential problems, keep renters informed, and protect your property (and your peace of mind).
Notice to Clean Property Template FAQs
How to write a clean-up notice?
Follow the steps outlined above to learn how to write a clear, concise Notice to Clean-Up.
How much notice do I need to give a tenant to inspect a property?
The laws vary by state, so check our helpful table above.
How do I tell my tenant to clean up?
Landlords can either send an informal communication requesting them to clean, or send a formal Notice to Clean Property.
What to do if tenants aren’t keeping the property clean?
Assess the situation and consider reaching out. If the situation escalates, landlords may need to send an official notice or even initiate eviction proceedings.
