Reasonable wear from normal use is expected and never charged — the fees below only apply to real damage, loss, or returning a tote in poor condition. Here's exactly how it works, laid out plainly.
Lost or Damaged Totes
A missing or damaged tote is $20 per tote. This covers a tote that isn't returned at all, or one damaged badly enough that it can't be reused for future rentals — a cracked body or a broken lid, for example.
Dirty, Stained, or Liquid-Contaminated Totes
A tote returned dirty, stained, or containing liquids carries a $10 per tote cleaning fee. This is meant to cover actual cleaning cost, not ordinary dust or light use — normal wear from a typical move doesn't trigger this fee.
Tape Residue and Permanent Marker
Tape or adhesive residue left on a tote carries the same $10 per tote cleaning fee, since it takes real time to remove. Permanent marker counts as damage to the tote itself and is charged at the $20 per tote rate — a reason to label totes with masking tape and marker, or a dry-erase option, rather than writing directly on the plastic with permanent ink.
How to Avoid Any Fees Entirely
Keep totes reasonably clean, use them for their intended purpose, avoid permanent marker directly on the totes, and return them in the same general condition they arrived in. Your refundable deposit is returned in full within 5 business days after totes are picked up clean and undamaged — the vast majority of rentals return with no fees at all.
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View Residential PricingThe Short Version
Damage or loss is $20 per tote, cleaning (dirt, stains, liquids, or tape residue) is $10 per tote, and permanent marker counts as damage. Normal use from a typical move doesn't trigger any of these — most rentals come back clean and get the full deposit refunded within 5 business days.
Questions about sizing or what's included? Check our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.