how often does an apartment complex have to replace the carpet?

Question

I just moved into a townhouse, the previous tenants were heavy smokers the carpet is trashed, smells, and they lived in the unit for eight years.

Answer 1

There's no hard and fast rule. But at the very least, they should clean and deodorize the carpet. You can always claim that you have asthma and it's causing a flair. That makes it an American's with Disabilities Act issue and a Health dept issue. At that point, they're dumb not to act.

Answer 2

I'll tell you what, I've lived in crap places where the carpet was obviously a few years old. The place I live in now, changes the carpet every time a tenant moves out. It may not be the highest quality, but it looked good when I moved in. To answer your question, they don't "ever" have to change it if they don't want to, but that decreases the quality of management for not changing it and the quality of the apartments for having old carpets and therefore will reduce the value of the monthly rent. No offense, but You probably don't live in the best managed or most expensive place and that is why you don't have new carpet.

Answer 3

it is not a matter of have to it is a matter of choice. a good landlord will use their best judgment on when to replace the items in their apartment that maintain the value, carpet, appliances, etc. if the landlord only cares about getting rent and not about the value of the property than he is less likely to change out anything. i was a property manager for 4 years and it was a judgment call. going by your description i would have changed the carpet. if i were you i would march right into the rental office and make a stink about the disgusting carpet and demand a new one. make sure that the condition of the carpet is noted on your move in inspection so when you move out they do not try and blame you for the condition.

Answer 4

10 years is the life expectancy of carpet but again, as others have said, it's a judgement call for the landlord to replace unless it's causing health problems....or unusable, I believe. For example, severely ripped or whatever.
Stains don't affect the usability of carpet as another example.

Answer 5

Usually, an apartment complex will replace the carpet as needed. If the carpet is trashed and smells, it definitely needs to be replaced. It is usually best to have this done prior to moving in. I hope they replace your carpet.

Answer 6

Normally, depending on the usage of the carpet the average is 20-40 years. But it depends on how the condition of it is. If its really bad it might be replaced within a year.

Answer 7

They do not have to replace the carpet, they just have to make sure that they are clean. If on your walk through upon moving in you noted that the carpets are soiled and smell, the landlord does have an obligation to get them cleaned. If they do not clean them upon your request, you should be able to have them cleaned and deduct the amount from your rent, be sure to send a copy of your receipt to the landlord. Be sure to notify your landlord in writing before having them cleaned, and state that the reason you are having them cleaned is because of the move in condition if you did not note it on the walk through

Answer 8

once every 3 or 4 years

Answer 9

as needed.they don't want to spend anymore money than they have to