Tenant Cleaning Responsibilities Alabama

Summary

The user, a tenant in Alabama, left a trailer in a dirty condition and is now being asked by the landlord to pay for cleaning. The landlord has communicated this through text messages but has not yet provided an itemized list of cleaning costs. The user has health conditions that prevent them from cleaning the trailer themselves. The landlord was aware of these conditions but still expects the user to pay for cleaning. The user did not have a security deposit and the landlord did not provide a written notice before starting the cleaning process.

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I moved out of a trailer and it was left dirty. The landlord at the time is asking to pay for the cleaning. While I admit it was dirty, I just don't have the resources to pay to have it cleaned and physically cannot clean it myself. What if anything can I do?
What state are you located in, ****? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding tenant and landlord laws in your area.
Alabama
What was the condition of the trailer when you moved in? In Alabama, landlords can deduct cleaning costs from the security deposit if the property is not returned in the same condition.
It was in good condition.
Did you take any photos or have any evidence to prove the condition of the trailer when you moved in?

- Alabama law allows landlords to deduct cleaning costs from the security deposit.
No
Did you sign a lease agreement and does it mention anything about the condition of the property upon leaving? In Alabama, landlords can deduct cleaning costs from the security deposit if the property is not returned in the same condition as when you moved in.
It was so long ago, I really don't remember. It was a family member and it was a gradual decline. I do remember talking about inspections, however, they did not inspect regularly. It was a bad situation on my part and I regret it, but I am unable to clean it nor do I have the money to pay for it to be cleaned. We started out paying rent, but became unable to pay it as well. However, they allowed us to remain.
Did your landlord provide you with an itemized list of deductions from your security deposit within 60 days of your lease termination?

- Alabama law requires landlords to provide this list.
There was no security deposit that I remember.
Did your landlord give you a written notice about the cleaning charges? In Alabama, landlords must provide a written notice for any charges.
She just texted me today, telling me she would let me know how much it would be.
Did the text message include a detailed breakdown of the cleaning charges? In Alabama, landlords must provide an itemized list of deductions.
Not yet.
What is the exact wording of the text message you received from your landlord? This could help determine if it qualifies as a proper written notice.
**** : I am cleaning up the mobile home your family lived in (the inside). I am expecting help with the expenses of cleanup because it was not cleaned up when you left, the inside required days of additional cleaning (cabinets, bathrooms, etc). The condition the inside was left in a condition that had it been cleaned I wouldn’t have had to hire someone to clean it. I will send you the amount that you will owe from the cleaning services and I need to know by this afternoon (preferably before I have to go to work at *) when you will pay it.
Did you receive a written notice from your landlord about the cleaning charges before she started the cleaning process?

- Alabama law requires landlords to provide a written notice before deducting any charges.
I don't know if she has started it yet.
Did your landlord provide you with an opportunity to clean the trailer before hiring a cleaning service? In Alabama, landlords should give tenants a chance to correct the issue before incurring cleaning costs.
I physically can't clean it. I am disabled.
What type of disability do you have and do you have any documentation to prove it? This could potentially be used to negotiate with your landlord.
I am on SSI disability.
Do you have any written agreement with your landlord about your inability to clean due to your disability?
I have neuropathy, am diabetic, high blood pressure and various other issues.
Did you inform your landlord about your health conditions and your inability to clean the trailer due to these conditions?
She does know, yes.
Did she acknowledge your health conditions and inability to clean in writing?
Not in writing that I have record of. It has all been texts. She did acknowledge that she knew, but I was still responsible for the cleaning.
Did your landlord provide a reasonable time for you to arrange for the cleaning before deciding to hire a cleaning service?
It has been several years.
Did you receive any written communication from your landlord about the cleaning charges during these years?
No, just reminders that I needed to get it clean.
All texts.
Did your landlord ever provide a deadline or specific date by which the trailer needed to be cleaned?
Just a deadline to be out, and that kept changing. Because it was family I think.
Did you have any agreement or understanding about cleaning the trailer when you were unable to pay rent?
Just the original about keeping it clean.
Did your landlord provide you with a written notice about the cleaning charges before she started the cleaning process?
A text
Did the text message from your landlord specify the exact amount you owe for the cleaning services?
Not yet
What was the exact date you moved out of the trailer?
February *, * was the final day we were getting things out of it.
What was the condition of the trailer when you left it on February *, *?
Empty. Rugs pulled up at her request. There was roach remains and mouse pills in the cabinets. Floors were clean, but walls were smokey.
Did you inform your landlord about the condition of the trailer when you left it on February *, *?
Yes
Did your landlord acknowledge the condition of the trailer when you left it on February *, *?
She did see it, yes.
What was her response when she saw the condition of the trailer?
Asked us to help her clean it.
Did you agree to help her clean it or did you inform her about your inability to do so due to your health conditions?
We agreed, but did remind her about not being able to do much.
What was the landlord's response when you reminded her about your inability to do much cleaning due to your health conditions?
We needed to do it anyways.
Did your landlord provide you with a written notice about the cleaning charges before she started the cleaning process?
No
What was the last communication you had with your landlord regarding the cleaning charges?
The text I just sent listed above.
**** : I am cleaning up the mobile home your family lived in (the inside). I am expecting help with the expenses of cleanup because it was not cleaned up when you left, the inside required days of additional cleaning (cabinets, bathrooms, etc). The condition the inside was left in a condition that had it been cleaned I wouldn’t have had to hire someone to clean it. I will send you the amount that you will owe from the cleaning services and I need to know by this afternoon (preferably before I have to go to work at *) when you will pay it.
Did you have a written lease agreement with your landlord that specified your responsibilities regarding the cleanliness of the property?