A TermScore is an AI-generated risk rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates the fairness and risk level of any legal document. A score of 86-100 means the contract is highly favorable, while 0-30 indicates dangerous terms you should walk away from.

What types of documents can TermScore analyze?

TermScore analyzes any legal document including freelance contracts, employment agreements, residential leases, NDAs, brand sponsorship deals, SaaS vendor agreements, and rental applications. Upload PDFs, Word documents, or images.

How much does TermScore cost?

TermScore offers a free plan with 3 scores per month. The Team plan is $15/month for 30 scores, and the Professional plan is $50/month for 500 scores with team collaboration features.

Is my document data secure?

Yes. Documents are processed in memory and analysis results are stored encrypted. TermScore never shares your document data with third parties and you can delete your data at any time from your dashboard.

Can a landlord charge for professional cleaning after move-out if the unit is clean?

Q: What is considered normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear refers to the expected, gradual deterioration of a property resulting from everyday use, such as minor scuffs on walls, faded paint, or worn carpet fibers, as opposed to damage caused by negligence or abuse.

Q: How do I dispute an illegal cleaning charge?

Document the unit's condition with photos and videos upon move-out, request an itemized list of deductions, and send a formal demand letter citing local landlord-tenant statutes.

Can a landlord charge for professional cleaning if the unit is already clean?

No. If you return the unit in the same condition as when you moved in, excluding normal wear and tear, a landlord cannot charge for professional cleaning. Mandatory 'non-refundable' cleaning fees are often illegal or unenforceable in many jurisdictions, as security deposits are intended to cover damages, not routine turnover costs.

Key takeaway: A landlord cannot use your security deposit to upgrade the unit or perform routine maintenance that is their responsibility as a business owner.

Understanding the Legal Distinction: Cleaning vs. Damage

Landlords frequently conflate 'cleaning' with 'damage' to justify withholding deposits. Legally, these are distinct categories. You are responsible for returning the unit in a clean state, but you are not responsible for paying for the landlord's professional cleaning service if the unit is already clean.

What Constitutes 'Clean'

Most state statutes require the unit to be returned in 'broom-clean' condition. This generally means:

All personal property and trash have been removed.
Floors are swept or vacuumed.
Surfaces are wiped down.
Appliances are free of food debris.

The 'Normal Wear and Tear' Defense

You are never liable for the cost of restoring the property to a 'brand new' state. Normal wear and tear is the expected degradation of a property over time. Examples include:

Normal Wear and Tear	Damage/Negligence
Faded paint	Large holes in drywall
Worn carpet fibers	Pet urine stains
Minor scuffs on baseboards	Broken windows
Dust on ceiling fans	Grease buildup from lack of cleaning

Action Item: Before moving out, review your original move-in inspection report. If the unit is in the same or better condition than when you arrived, you have a strong legal basis to contest any cleaning charges.

How to Protect Your Security Deposit

Proactive documentation is your most effective tool against predatory cleaning charges. Follow this step-by-step process to ensure you have the evidence required to win a dispute.

Perform a Pre-Move-Out Inspection: Request a walkthrough with the landlord 1–2 weeks before your lease ends. Ask specifically what they expect to be cleaned.
Document Everything: Take high-resolution photos and videos of every room, including the inside of appliances, the condition of the floors, and the state of the walls.
Keep Receipts: If you hire a professional cleaner, keep the receipt. If you clean it yourself, keep receipts for cleaning supplies.
Request an Itemized Statement: If the landlord withholds money, they are legally required in most states (e.g., California Civil Code 1950.5) to provide an itemized list of deductions within a specific timeframe, usually 14 to 30 days.

Key takeaway: If your landlord fails to provide an itemized list of deductions within the statutory timeframe, they may forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit, regardless of the unit's condition.

Disputing Illegal Charges

If you receive a bill for professional cleaning that you believe is unjustified, do not pay it immediately. Follow these steps to challenge the deduction:

Send a Demand Letter: Write a formal letter stating that the unit was returned in 'broom-clean' condition and that the charge constitutes an illegal deduction for normal wear and tear.
Cite Local Statutes: Reference your state’s specific landlord-tenant laws regarding security deposits.
Small Claims Court: If the landlord refuses to return the funds, small claims court is an effective, low-cost venue. You generally do not need an attorney, and the filing fee is often under $100.

Action Item: Keep all communication in writing. If you speak on the phone, follow up with an email summarizing the conversation to create a paper trail.

Conclusion

Landlords often rely on tenants' lack of knowledge regarding their rights to keep security deposits. By understanding the difference between professional cleaning and standard move-out requirements, you can protect your financial interests. Always document the state of your unit and hold your landlord to the statutory requirements of your jurisdiction.

If you are unsure about the specific terms in your lease agreement, TermScore can automatically analyze your contract to identify illegal clauses or hidden fees, providing you with the clarity needed to protect your security deposit before you even sign the lease.