Wrappacks 2c worth.
If you take your car to a carwash, and have it detailed, then refuse to pay, then that is deceitful and dishonest.
But, if somebody has washed your car, without your knowledge and consent, then that is bloody stupid of themm and you should not be required, nor feel obligated to pay.
So, did you consent to the steam cleaning? My understanding is that, in nsw, it is illegal to request for steam cleaning to be done by tenants after moving out, EVEN IF IT IS 'AGREED TO' IN THE LEASE!
Check your pm agreement, you may find an 'out' for you, but, more likely, it has been drafted by their lawyers to make it more difficult for you.
Couple of thoughts.
You got paid 168 dollars. Assuming that you paid $80 in tax, you made a profit. If you do repay this entire bill, your accountant can, either now, or in future, amend your tax return in order to get your $80 back.
Buy, if you really want to annoy them, why not start a paper trail, that may not ever end? If you are ever taken to consumer affairs/credit bureau, they love paper trails! Shows that you care.
For example, write one letter requesting a copy of the lease agreement.
When it arrives, write another one, thanking them for the lease agreement, but that it was really the pm agreement you were after.
When that arrives, query, again, in writing, the need for steam cleaning the carpets. What if it is just a small area in a single room?
When that reply arrives, ask for the policies and proceedures (god I hate those words, but business loves them), with regards to maintenance.
Then, tell them, that, yes, if a water main bursts in the middle of the night, of course they can get any plumber out to fix it, but for all discretionary spending, should it not be okayed by the owner who is footing the bill first?
Then, inform them that you are very wary of banking, banking details and this new found internet-thingy, and that you are very concerned that they may have made other errors in your banking to your detriment. Would they please check all of their banking records to check that they have not debited anything? And of course, put it in writing, checking that they have updated their policy and proceedure manual.
Then, inform them that you do not feel obligated to pay for their bill, for services rendered (but were they really done?) but not requested. Again, ask for their written comments
Then, there is the problem of taxation. (they probably dont know that you can easily amend your previous tax bills)
Ask them to make an offer of settlement to finalise the account, with no hard feelings.
Then, send them a cheque for half that amount, as you feel that you have been receiving poor service, and have had to put lots of time and effort into writing letters, phone bills, for what was inherently their mistake. By all means invite them to reply. In writing, of course!
Please feel free to add any more steps that may confuse the maze more! After all, if you got crappy service from somebody in charge of an asset worth more than they earn in a couple of years, why not make their life a tad difficult!