Can a Landlord Charge for Smoke or Odor Removal?

Smoke and odor charges can be legitimate when remediation is necessary, but they're also easy to exaggerate. The key is whether the landlord can show the condition and the actual remediation performed.

When the charge can be legitimate

• Professional remediation was necessary and supported by invoices
• Odors were documented in inspections and corroborated by evidence
• Smoke residue required specialized cleaning beyond routine turnover

Red flags

• No vendor invoice (only a flat "deodorizing" fee)
• No documentation of odor condition at move-out
• Charging for "ozone treatment" or repainting with no proof it was needed

What to ask for

• Inspection notes and photos documenting the condition
• Vendor invoice describing the remediation steps performed
• Timeline: when the work was done and by whom

How to dispute

1. Request the vendor invoice and inspection notes.
2. Dispute unsupported flat fees and require itemization.
3. Attach evidence of condition at move-out (photos, witnesses, walkthrough notes).

Start with the dispute template, then escalate to a demand letter if the landlord won't correct it.