Cleaning deposits are commonly required by landlords when tenants lease a property. Cleaning deposits are sometimes required in addition to general security deposits, which cover any physical damage to the property. In other cases, cleaning deposits and security deposits may be one in the same. Landlords hold cleaning deposits until renters vacate the property, then use the funds for any necessary cleaning and refund the unused portion back to the renter. Specific laws regarding the return of cleaning deposits vary by state, though generally a landlord is required to give a tenant an itemized list detailing how all money deducted from the deposit was used. Again, laws vary, though generally a landlord must legally provide a tenant with a cleaning deposit refund within a specified amount of time, often thirty days. Cleaning deposits protect landlords against financial expenses in the event that a tenant leaves their property in an unsanitary condition.