Most leases require professional carpet cleaning at move-out. The exact wording varies, but landlords almost universally expect a receipt for professional carpet cleaning before refunding your security deposit.
Why DIY usually doesn’t qualify
Even if your lease doesn’t explicitly require professional cleaning, “good condition” clauses usually do. A rented machine from the hardware store rarely produces results that meet a landlord’s standard, and you won’t have a receipt that satisfies the lease.
What it costs vs. what gets deducted
Booking a professional carpet cleaning yourself almost always costs less than the deduction. Landlords frequently charge tenants $200–$500 for cleaning that would have cost $120–$200 if scheduled directly.
If you have pets
Pet treatment is almost always required to fully release a pet deposit. Add pet stain and odor treatment to your move-out cleaning request. Mention any specific accidents on the quote form so the provider can quote accurately.