Can a California landlord charge for cleaning from the deposit?

Yes, but only beyond normal cleaning. A unit returned in roughly move-in condition (vacuumed, surfaces wiped, trash out, no abnormal odors) cannot be charged for routine cleaning. A unit with smoke or pet odor, food in the appliances, or grime requiring deep cleaning beyond a typical end-of-tenancy clean is fairly charged. The deduction must be itemized with the cleaning vendor's invoice or a documented hourly rate if the landlord did the work. Up to twice the wrongfully withheld amount if the court finds bad faith. Attorney fees also recoverable. A non-refundable cleaning fee separate from the deposit is treated differently and may be allowed by lease in many states.

Source: Cal. Civ. Code 1950.5(h)(1)