Poll-Landlord labor deductions from deposit

[OHlandlord]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

I'm trying to get a feel for other state's laws. I would like to compare this aspect of state law. Does your state allow you to deduct a charge from your tenant's security deposit for your labor? If so, how much an hour do you charge? Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Alaska landlord]

I charge 20 dollars and hour. If the tenant really pissed me off and wrecked the place, then I will hire out and charge it all. Of course this works best with collectible tenants.

A lot of states do not allow you to deduct for labor and that is when hiring out works best.

 

[CA LL]

Yes and as required in CA, I must charge a rate comparable for whatever was done. So a cleaning rate would be a lot different than more skilled labor type repairs. We in CA must break out EVERY SINGLE CHARGE with number of hours and rate charged when our own labor is used and total repairs are $125 or more along with all "outside" receipts as well..even stock "parts" must be itemized costed out from current price sheet from vendor, etc. I have no problem with this..I rarely deduct anything from SD...I'd say I've returned 100% SD on probably 90% of my tenants...and with the exception of a few bad inheritied/evicted tenants..if any deductions, usually less than that but I do still provide ALL receipts and full itemization.

Labor costs VARY greatly from state to state so not sure how this question could be helpful to you. For example CA state minimum wage is higher than national, workers comp is higher, cost of living is higher..so ALL of our labor is higher. That being said I usually only charge $15 an hour for cleaning and everything else I usually have receipt for from outside..or I charge $30 - $40 an hour if it's obviously a skilled repair we did.

 

[OHlandlord]

CA LL, thanks for the Info. (You too Alaska LL.) I know that I can charge for my labor in OH and I vary the labor charge depending on the job (like you). More for skilled labor jobs, less for cleaning. I am interested in knowing which other states can and can't use these charges and what other LLs in those states are allowed to charge. Just trying to compare & contrast various state's info. So far I have learned that these states can charge LL labor: MO, OR, NC, IL, MI, AK, CA, & OH (of course). These states can't charge: MA, NJ, & PA. So far I have only heard from these 11 states. Anyone else out there know about their state that isn't listed?

 

[Alaska landlord]

O, are your writing a book?

 

[OHlandlord]

No, not writing a book Alaska LL, just curious. If I was going that route I'd actually look up the statutes of each state to make sure I knew each and had them all correct. As a longtime LL, I try to stay informed about my state's laws and those of other states. I read several different LL forums daily. I have read many books about the subject. And although I find many charts comparing other aspects of state law (deposit rules, termination rules for leases, types of notices required, etc.) I was unable to find this info compared anywhere. I find it interesting how different the laws are in other states. Additionally, this topic seems to come up frequently on forums. Many people don't know whether they can take this deduction or not. Thanks for taking the time to answer. I would love to visit your state one day. I hear it is quite beautiful.

 

[treese]

I can't charge for my time/labor in Connecticut - only materials and supplies.

 

[OHlandlord]

Thanks for the info treese. Appreciate it.

 

[ws6whiteshark]

Here in Maryland, I was told by my real estate attorney that I can't charge for my labor, only parts and materials.