I was almost with you, but then you pulled the "with the economy the way it is" line.

What does the economy have to do with it?

All I can say is check you lease to see if it specifies how much the cleaning fee is, what the timeframes for being charged are (2 years later is ridiculous), and what the requirements for check-out were.

I've rented several apartments in my life and have been charged these fees, not because I left my apartment dirty, but because they charge each resident the cost of painting, cleaning appliances, and carpet cleaning. It's a fixed amount to restore the place to move-in quality. If there is damage, yes, there are additional costs.

Your argument shouldn't be with the economy or what you think is fair. It should be that they waited several years to bill you. At this point, it's on them to show that you left the apartment in a condition that required excess cleaning.

Unless, that is, your lease specified a higher fee.