When renting a property, it is common for a tenant to be required to pay a cleaning deposit. In some cases, both a cleaning deposit and a general security deposit are required; in other cases, the cleaning deposit and security deposit are one in the same. A landlord holds the funds paid for the cleaning deposit until the renter vacates the property or terminates the lease. In the event that a tenant vacates a property without properly cleaning it, the landlord may use those funds to pay for any cleaning charges. Cleaning charges can include trash removal, carpet cleaning, and general cleaning such as mopping and sweeping. A cleaning deposit protects landlords against any financial costs that may arise when a tenant leaves a property in an unsanitary condition. Cleaning deposits may also in some cases be used to repair damages caused by the tenant, such as holes in walls or broken appliances. Any portion of the deposit not used to clean or repair the premises is refunded to the tenant within a specified amount of time.