Before you make the decision to rent an apartment, you might want to think about whether the carpets should be replaced. This is an important question especially if the carpets look dated or soiled. In this guide, we’ll take a look at whether landlords need to replace carpets or not.
Should Your Landlord Replace the Carpets
Reputable management companies will replace carpets as needed based on wear and tear from previous tenants. In some cases, the carpet may need to be replaced after one tenant. In other cases, it can last years. What are the circumstances under which a landlord should replace the carpet?
- Carpets are completely dated, worn out or torn.
- The previous tenant left the carpets in poor condition.
- Carpets have a foul odor.
- Carpets have lots of stains that professional cleaning cannot remove
What About Apartment Aesthetics?
Carpets add to the aesthetic value of an apartment. Old or unsightly carpets can make the apartment look dirty and poorly kept, which good management companies want to avoid. That is another reason why landlords may consider changing or hiring a professional cleaner to clean the carpets.
What Happens When a Tenant Damages the Carpet?
It is often the tenant’s responsibility to maintain the apartment and carpeting as well as possible, with the exception of normal wear and tear. However, if the carpet is damaged as a result of negligence or poor maintenance, then the cost to fix or replace will likely be taken from the tenant’s security deposit.
How often does a landlord have to replace the carpet?
This varies tremendously based on the condition of the carpet.
Can landlords charge tenants to replace carpets?
Yes, if the tenant damaged the carpet beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can generally deduct from the security deposit or charge the tenant for the damages.
When you do your walk-through, note in writing any existing issues with the carpet beforehand so you are not held responsible for issues that aren’t your fault.
