Landlord Blog: Light Bulbs

Security Deposit Return (by Dee Ann [WI] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 4:03 PM

Do any of you deduct for burned out light bulbs on the security deposit? We don’t mind replacing them if a ladder is involved, but I’d love the departing to acknowledge and provide the bulbs. Thoughts? We provide energy saving bulbs and tell the tenants in our ad, and upon move in. Accept plain bulbs or energy bulbs as replacements? Am I getting too picky?
–75.11.xx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by WMH [NC] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 4:43 PM

It’s in our lease: All lights have working CFL or LED light bulbs at the start of the tenancy and all light will have equal or better lights when they return possession. If there are missing or burned-out bulbs we charge $10 per bulb.
Not because we WANT to but because we DON’T want to. Once we put such a high price on a bulb, never had a problem at all. –50.82.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by LisaFL [FL] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 4:48 PM

I charge for bulbs and they must be matching in the same fixture. Apparently I need to be charging more.
My last move out had 14 missing light bulbs. I only charged $3 each. I mean seriously, 14 missing light bulbs…. –75.89.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by WMH [NC] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 4:59 PM

Yep, too cheap.
By the you notice the missing light, trek to the store to get the right kind, return with a ladder to replace – it’s MORE than $10 per bulb, really. –50.82.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Mike45 [NV] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 5:16 PM

I know that most of the Board seem to disagree with me, but what is a better example of “normal wear and tear” than a light bulb burning out?
I replace all missing/burned out bulbs and I do not deduct the cost from the security deposit. –76.4.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Marcia [WI]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 5:24 PM

I have never deducted for missing/burned out bulbs. Kind of thought it was in my realm as a landlord, but maybe I should rethink that as bulbs are getting more expensive. –75.86.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Moshe [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 5:38 PM

Light bulbs are indeed “normal wear & tear”, the box even specifies the average lifetime of the bulb.
CA law allows deduction for light bulbs IF (and only if) the lease properly provides for a transfer of maintenance responsibility.
–47.139.xx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by Robert J [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 5:44 PM

I had a tenant remove every bulb from an apartment. I charged them for the cost of the replacement. I had pictures and a witness.
Another tenant removed my LED 5K bulbs and replaced them with regular incandescent bulbs. His bulbs were worth $1 each. My bulbs cost around $5 each. I billed them for the difference.
In not tenancy’s, I do NOT charge for a few missing or burned out bulbs. –47.155.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Bonanza [NC] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 5:51 PM

I disagree with normal wear and tear. If you provided a house full of bulbs, and some go out, it is the tenants job to replace it and return the house in the same condition in which it was given to them. I charge $5 a bulb. They get a list of charges at lease signing, and when they give 30 day notice. They get a detailed list on how to clean prior to departure and what happens if they don’t follow the directions. It is no different than when the fail to clean the frig or stove. It was cleaned before they got there and they need to clean it before they leave.
Now if you have an 18 foot ceiling with a recessed light bulb I’ll give them a pass.
Last vacancy had 3 missing bulbs. No excuses for that stuff.
Same with mini blinds. They were given the place with working mini blinds. If they tear them up they need to replace it or get charged for it. I’ve had mini blinds in my house for 15 years and I have never torn them up. Rant mode off. –173.246.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Barb [MO] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 5:59 PM

My lease specifies $15 per light bulb. Since I don’t know the age of the bulbs in the places, I typically include a 4-pack of bulbs as part of their move-in set up
We leave a can of Dow Bathroom Cleaner, some Dawn Dish Soap, some all purpose cleaner, some toilet bowl cleaner, a couple of paper towels, a couple of rolls of toilet tissue, and a hotel set of shampoo, conditioner, soap. We also hang a new shower curtain before they move in. So, they have all the instant needs as they are moving in.
I tell people that if they need help replacing a bulb (needing a step stool, etc) to let me know and I’ll stop by.
If they move out and any bulbs are missing? I charge the $15 per bulb. If any are burnt out? I charge, particularly since I left a starter supply and made sure al the bulbs were working at move in.
Bulbs are consumable. If you consume them, replace them. –149.76.xxx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by dave [CA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 6:13 PM

walk around your property and count up the bulbs and different types,….including appliance.
many appliance bulbs are specialty and take tools and time to access to replace — example — microwave and ovens
1 or 2 bulbs burned out,….ok fine
10, 20, 30 missing or burned out– tenant pays.
property is delivered with all bulbs, switches and receptacles
working properly. as noted in lease.
return it that way or pay.
it’s like the scratches in the hardwood floor –
1-3 — ok,….stuff happens
3-6 — oh yeah,…..I gotta take care of that
20, 30, 50,……thru the clear coat,…thru the stain,….
gouged into the raw wood.
—–it ain’t mine,…..I don’t give a s–t.
…….you’re gonna pay PLENTY.
–172.250.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Vee [OH] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 7:52 PM

If the bulbs do not light up that is a clear HUD violation which indicates -all illumination must be operative- otherwise a safety hazard exists and subsidy payments go on hold instantly, you are at the mercy of getting re-inspected to restore the violation. So I charge only for the inoperative light repairs at turnover as they are found, you have to get there quick to have electric power before shut off for no payments.. –76.188.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by BillW [NJ]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 9:51 PM

I much prefer picking my lights. Color temperature and brightness have such a big effect on how a place looks when you show it to prospective tenants. I don’t want to leave it up the tenants, because they don’t know about these things. –108.35.xx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by Jim in O C [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 10:04 PM

If they replaced my LED’s with Incandescent bulbs I charge them. If bulbs are missing I charge. If the bulbs are burned out I do not nickel and dime my tenants. –99.23.xxx.x

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Security Deposit Return (by plenty [MO] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 10:26 PM

Yes. All light bulbs are matching and new at move in. I have only ever paid for this once. After that it comes out of deposits. We have stated replacing fixtures with the new ones that don’t require light bulbs. But ceiling fans , chandeliers and bathroom vanity lights are a petpee of mind. We go over this at move in and exit papers repeat. And it’s in the lease. Initial here. –172.58.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by plenty [MO] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 10:29 PM

And I also charge for exterior light bulbs too. –172.58.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Gene [OH] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 11:45 PM

In my lease it states, “Tenant shall replace all burned out light bulbs and fluorescent tubes with like kind and quality as soon as possible with the correct wattage bulbs or tubes. This requirement shall include both interior and exterior lighting.”
As a result, I charge my departing tenants for all missing or non-working bulbs. –99.165.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by LisaFL [FL] ) Posted on: Sep 3, 2021 11:51 PM

Light bulbs are most certainly not normal wear and tear. I leave them a courtesy roll of toilet paper as well and they don’t call me to replace the roll when empty.
If they’re left with a full tank of propane they’re expected to leave a full tank of propane or be charged for it. Same with grease filters above the stove and AC filters. Leave them clean/replaced like they were when you received the place.
The day l’m expected to provide And replace light bulbs as used is the day my rentals come with no light bulbs and if they want the fixtures to work they can put in their own light bulbs, –75.89.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Gail K [GA] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 7:03 AM

It’s a joke around here when someone moves out quickly. It’s like “pack up the light bulbs! We’re moving”.
Seriously. Had one family who took every light bulb in the place. Including the one in the refrigerator. I charged them $5 for every bulb missing although the damage already exceeded their deposit.
–73.108.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by myob [GA] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 9:00 AM

Of course. 15.00 per. It’s part of the move in Minimum Charges and Fee’s schedule they sign at MOVE IN. We charge 15 per unreturned key- 45 for stealing dryer vent hose- 200 for mowing front yd and 200 for mowing back. Charges cover a 8×11 sheet of the lease doc’s. Even covers dipso crew 875.00 and 600.00 for re paintings of walls if lease is not to completion of 1st year term. Shower curtains missing – shower rods- toilet seats swapped or broken. On and on. –99.103.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 10:24 AM

I have it in my rental agreement that all the bulbs are LEDs and they should be replaced with LED bulbs.
It’s been awhile since I had a tenant who moved out when all the light bulbs burned out, but once in the past, I had a tenant remove all of the LED bulbs and replace them with burned out incandescent bulbs. You better believe that tenant got charged and that was back when LEDs were new and expensive.
I still wonder where he got so many burned out incandescent light bulbs. He must have had his friends saving them for months. –76.178.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 10:28 AM

If the tenant will call me, I will go over and replace florescent and specialty bulbs at my expense. I don’t expect tenants to do any handyman work beyond screwing in a normal light bulb. –76.178.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Sorta Blonde [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 12:18 PM

Thanks ‘myob’ for the great idea of itemizing charges for broken or missing items in advance. Now I get to spend today making my list. Makes it so easy to figure out charges on move out and the tenants will also have advance notice as to what it will cost them.
I also leave toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex, liquid hand soap and sanitizer, dish soap, laundry soap, 409 cleaner, some scrubbies, and a small stepstool, extra lightbulbs, doormats, plus a rechargeable small vacuum for the tenant’s use. –72.207.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Dee Ann [WI] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 2:06 PM

SORTA BLONDE: does leaving all those cleaning items for the tenant’s use help you get the place back clean?
I’ve given a plethora of cleaning supplies, but it hasn’t helped getting it back cleaner 🙁
Perhaps it’s because most of my tenants move to a house they purchased and they’re too excited to get a house of their own together than leaving mine ready for their security return? –23.227.xxx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by myob [GA] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 3:22 PM

Sorta in 30+ years of doing this and making claims against tenant we have NEVER lost a case. Yea they all whine how he’s charging 15. Per light bulb or 45 for dryer vent or 35 per broken toilet seat yada yada but the fact is THEY agreed to it. So when the judge says it seems excessive to me– we respond– well your honor they didn’t have to agree to it 3 years ago. They never showed any concern til now. Judge then turns to tenant and says — why didn’t you question back then? Judge now says looks like your paying 15 per light bulb.
That list should have every charge you have ever had billed to you from tenants== from dirty tubs to stoves to light fixtures. Normal wear and tear – — is not changing light bulbs for tenants– it’s not cleaning up for them either. Vacuuming carpet or cleaning windows is normal tenant functions. The problem is– after 3 years tenants know it’s time to clean the house– so lets vacate– WE BILL THEM FOR THAT MESS.
Don’t be a smuck– make them pay for this. DID YOU GIVE THEM FILTH TO MOVE INTO– NO U DIDN’T. –99.103.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Sorta Blonde [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 4:54 PM

Yes myob, that’s exactly what I was saying. I’m going back over all the stuff I have needed to charge for over the years and making a concise list with today’s prices, so I will have that to add to my rental agreement and tenants will maybe see the advantages of cleaning before leaving and not stealing things.I think it’s a great idea and like you said, it sure would come in handy in court IF I ever have to do that a second time. Once was enough, but being prepared is good.
And Dee Ann, actually I’ve had pretty good luck with the initial cleaning supplies I’ve left (usually partial bottles after I did a cleaning). Last two groups left the bathroom spotless! AND I leave a bottle of some very good liquid drain cleaner now. Since I started that, no plumbers have needed to clear drains and no complaints from the tenants about clogging. Used to have a ton of clogs. –72.207.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by J [FL] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 5:38 PM

I have never charged for them.
For something like an exterior house light that has a glass fixture that can be tricky to remove, I prefer to put a long term bulb before move in, myself, so hopefully they never have to change it during the tenancy. Less chance for the fixture to get broken during light bulb changing. –72.188.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Dee Ann [WI] ) Posted on: Sep 4, 2021 11:21 PM

SORTA BLONDE: Do you mind sharing the liquid drain cleaner you provide? I do provide drain cleaner, but it is not liquid. The most conscientious use it, the others do not even try. Maybe the would use it if it was liquid. –162.255.xx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by Rosie [VA] ) Posted on: Sep 5, 2021 12:48 AM

I agree with myob and several others on here. When we give someone a property, it’s in top notch condition. Everything works, all bulbs/filters,etc are working/clean, etc. Burned out bulbs, broken blinds, dirty filters, dirty windows/flooring, or anything else is NOT wear & tear. DIRT / SOILING is NOT wear & tear. At the very least, I expect the property to be returned Clean. Otherwise, tenants get charged. –73.148.x.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by Sorta Blonde [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 5, 2021 12:04 PM

Sure Dee Ann, I found a CHEAP drain opener at Wally Mart years ago. Big yellow bottle (1/2 gal). Just says “Heavy Duty Drain Opener”. It’s not in the housewares/cleaners department. It’s in the paint department. Made by Scotch Company, and contains Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide, so it’s just heavy duty LYE. Easy to use, 9safety glasses suggested) opens almost every clog I’ve had. I recommend to tenants to pour down all drains once a month and then I check with tenants every few months to see if they ‘need more’. It’s only about 6 bucks for the huge bottle. I also use it in my 1944 house too with it’s old pipes. In the last 3 years, no clogs in the rentals. One tenant actually went out and bought her own replacement. Yea!
Warning…never use DRY DRAINO crystals in old pipes. Last time I did that, they clumped together and I had to call a plumber to snake out the pipes. Plus they create a lot of ‘heat’. Ugh. Terrible mistake. –72.207.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Dee Ann [WI] ) Posted on: Sep 5, 2021 7:39 PM

Sounds great and I’m going to get some!!!
We’ve only used Drano Max Gel, but is expensive and most won’t use it correctly so we followed our plumbers instructions as it eats seals. Your solution sounds like a winner I’m willing to try, especially for the price!
Thanks for the advice! –23.227.xxx.x

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Security Deposit Return (by Sorta Blonde [CA] ) Posted on: Sep 5, 2021 7:55 PM

I used Draino Gel too and a few other ‘name brands’. Worked but like you said, expensive. This one works fine for a lot less. Hope it works for your stuff. –72.207.xx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by myob [GA] ) Posted on: Sep 6, 2021 3:14 PM

Straight bleach. about 1 quart. let sit for 45 to 60 minutes then run hot water through. We do washing machine drain also.
Like magic. –99.103.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Gab [CA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2021 6:04 PM

I buy good energy saving bulbs so the rental is well illuminated during the process of showing the rental. I leave these bulbs in. I prefer to select the bulbs myself, because each light fixture has it’s recommendation for watts/size. I don’t want the possibility of fires if a tenant replaces my bulb for their own which might be too high watts. I include a phrase in the addendums to replace bulbs with the same they found in the light fixtures and appliances. They are to replace burned out bulbs prior to vacating the property. I don’t charge if I have to replace, because I don’t know who put in what and when- maybe an old bulb? –184.155.xxx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by Sue [IN]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2021 7:09 PM

I provide light bulbs for apartments where I pay the utilities. Don’t need fire because they put in a 100 watt bulb instead of 2 60 watt bulbs and my bulbs save me money on the electric bill. I also provide toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brushes, trash bags, trash cans, broom, dustpan, floor mop and bucket. The floor mop is so tenant won’t ruin laminate flooring by using a mop that doesn’t wring out enough water. The trash bags and cans are so they take out there trash and the cans don’t get soiled and attract flys and gnats. The toilet bowl cleaner and toilet brushes are so they will keep the toilet clean and that keeps it from getting clogged up. When I do my inspections I expect the apartment to be cleaned and especially the toilet bowl. If it isn’t they are given proper notice to move and/or I won’t be renewing their lease.
–71.46.xxx.xxx

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Security Deposit Return (by Bob [OR]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2021 8:53 PM

To J [FL]:Re. Exterior light bulb replacement — I install them myself, too, b/c need for ladder, existence of cobwebs, dead moths, etc. I also coat the threads of the lightbulb with an ‘electrical oxide inhibitor’. It acts as a long-term lubricant so that the bulb unscrews easily after some years, just like it screwed in when it was originally installed.
I got a small tube of it from the local electric/plumbing supply store for under $5, as I recall.
(I use it at home, too.) –191.96.xxx.xx

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Security Deposit Return (by J. Bond [CA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2021 9:20 PM

If wear and tear applied to bulbs, then one would have to continually replace them for the duration of the tenancy.
One good thing is that the old incandescent bulbs are no longer available. And soon enough the CFL won’t be around. So tenants won’t be able to go out and get crappy cheap bulbs.
Having said that, I installed some of those LED lights which have the LED’s as part of the light fixture. Of course the problem is that the only way to “replace the bulb” is to replace the light fixture, which I certainly don’t want tenants doing. But at least, they should last about 10-years.