Update!
We had a calm, rational discussion & Budget reversed their cleaning charge because they are good & decent folks. I'm very happy we came to a different conclusion. Highly recommend!!
Charged a $250 cleaning fee for 'smoke odor' that was in the car when I rented it. After renting about 12 times in a year, NEVER having smoked in any of the vehicles, I was furious that they charged me. I told the fellow when I returned the car, but I guess he never made a note that I denied smoking in the car. He even said, 'yeah lots of the cars stink like smoke'.
Customer service offered to pay half, but why should I pay anything??? Rent from someone else, it's a nightmare dealing with them.