A landlord may seek a reasonable deduction for cleaning if the property was left substantially less clean than it was at the start of the tenancy, allowing for normal wear and tear. They should not usually charge for routine cleaning or improvements, and any amount claimed should reflect the actual, reasonable cost rather than a penalty. Ask for an explanation, photographs, invoices and the check-in and check-out condition records. If you cannot agree, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) can consider the evidence and decide the dispute based on the individual tenancy facts; consider legal advice for complex cases.