How to negotiate with landlord for new carpeting ?

Question

I am going to talk to my future landlord about getting new carpeting in his 1 BR condo that I am about to rent from him at the end of this month.

The current carpets are throughout the entire apartment, 10 years old, previous tenant w/ kids just moved out after 4 years, but the worst part is that they are like a royal blue color.

I told him at the initial meeting that I want to rent the apt. but would like to get new carpeting in there, but he insisted on me seeing it after it was professionally cleaned (since there were a bunch of stains still on it & didn't look good).

I know that if he invests in new natural colored carpeting it will benefit him at the end also.

My question is:
What is the best way to convince him to do this, without me paying for it or pay minimal out of my pocket.

ps - I signed a lease with him already - if I back out, I lose my deposit, but if he backs out I get my money back.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Answer 1

If it's not a part of the lease contract your landlord isn't required to change it. You need to reiterate to him that the carpet is old and it will benefit him to replace it. However, usually when you ask for a concession from the landlord it's normal negotiating practice to concede something yourself. Since the rate is already determined you'll have to think of something else. Maybe there's some painting or something you can do to improve the space yourself.

Answer 2

Well I am reading two things in this

1) It seems just a hint of 'renters remorse' and that you would like to find a way to void the lease.

2) While the carpets are not perfect, your REAL reason for wanting them changed is that you do not like the color.

ok... given the tone of your letter, as well as the statements here is some food for thought

1) The color of the carpet is not a valid reason to change it if the carpet is still viable and he has done a reasonable job in cleaning it. Having said that, it still does not preclude you from talking to the landlord about changing it. Most carpets in rental units can have a life of 10 to 15 years so, at worst case (or you) the carpet has about 20 to 30% of its value left. If he paid $1000 to have it installed then you are asking him to give up $200 to $300. You should offer to compensate him for that. That would also give you a voice in choosing the color.

You signed a lease: That means you accepted the unit subject to whatever terms and limitations are outlined in the lease. See what rights you both agreed to in regards to the carpet.

Check also what you lose if you back out. If it is, indeed, a LEASE you are generally liable for the rental cost of the unit until the landlord re-rents it. If you signed a Month-to-Month then you might be liable for the portion of the typical 30 day notice (which would be charged against your deposit.)

Bottom line here: Changing your mind can be an expensive thing so my suggestion is to invite the landlord over for a cup of coffee and work something out, after all there must be SOMETHING you like about the unit or you would not have signed up for it in the first place.

.

Answer 3

You haven't told us if, after cleaning, how the carpets look. The landlord is not required to change the carpets just because you don't like the color. You may be able to work out an agreement where you'll pay a little extra each month, in exchange for new carpet, but, it is highly unlikely that your landlord will agree to do this, as he is still taking a huge risk.

Maybe you should consider some area rugs? You can actually buy remanants that will cover most rooms and lay it on top of his carpet. Check for liquidator services in your area.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Look at it this way.

There's nothing wrong with the carpet, and its not
a health hazard.

Why should he give you new carpet? Cuz you
dont like the color?

You knew the color when you signed the lease.
If that was issue, you shouldnt have signed the lease
until you saw the cleaning job.

Rentals are a business, and like any other business,
any decisions result in profit or loss.

How do you figure its any profit to him? Can you
guarantee him the carpet will be as new
when your lease expires?

Because that's how he'll look at it.

The only way you'll convince him to pay for new carpet,
is if there is a financial motivation to him.

And it don't see that happening.

Answer 5

You are stuck with the old carpet. You could offer to sign an additional year of lease and pay extra deposit in exchange with a new carpet. Without offering anything, I don't see him doing it.

Answer 6

That's filthy, I thought it was a law requiring the landlord to remove carpet. He's a nasty bastard. Sorry you put a deposit on it. If he's that crappy about carpet removal, then God help you during your lease...

Too late miss...enjoy your ugly, half-cleaned royal blue carpet!