Help! Budget Charged Us $450 to Clean Our Rental Car. Can They Do That?
When it comes to rental car cleaning fees, the answer is both yes and no.Rental car companies can charge cleaning fees, but these charges must be reasonable and justified.A $450 cleaning fee is significant and warrants careful scrutiny.
Rental car companies typically include cleaning fee provisions in their contracts for vehicles returned in an unusually dirty condition. However, normal wear and tear should not trigger these charges. Here's what you need to know about cleaning fees:
- Standard cleaning fees typically range from $50 to $150
- Higher fees may apply for severe cases (smoke damage, pet hair, stains)
- Companies must provide documentation of the damage/condition
- You have the right to dispute unreasonable charges
If you've been hit with a high cleaning fee, take these steps:
- Request detailed documentation, including photos of the condition
- Review your rental agreement's cleaning fee policies
- File a formal dispute with the rental company
- Contact your credit card company to dispute the charge
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau if necessary
To protect yourself in the future, always:
- Take photos/videos of the car before and after your rental
- Get a final inspection with a staff member present
- Request a written condition report upon return
While rental companies have the right to charge cleaning fees, they must be reasonable and proportional to the actual cleaning required. A $450 fee should be accompanied by substantial documentation and justification. Don't hesitate to challenge excessive charges through proper channels.
