I've been sharing a house with house mates for over five years. The carpet is stained and has holes in it. It's probably been there for over 15 years. the house has been around since the 60's. We asked the land lord to have it replaced, he said he would only if we agree to pay for a third of the cost. is this legal? is he required by law to replace the carpet after a number of years?
2007-07-05 10:22:43 · 6 answers · asked by paul p 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I guess it would depend on how bad a condition it is in, and what building standards are in your area. I suspect if it is in even halfway ok condition he is not obligated to replace it. However, you are not obligated to pay for it either unless the carpet is damaged due to some sort of neglect (and what you described sounds like normal wear and tear - not your fault).
So, you are probably not obligated to pay for it, but neither is he obligated to replace it as long as its in ok condition. I'd go online to your local government to try to find out how bad it has to be for him to be forced to replace it (also many areas have landlord - tenant relations departments where you can call up with questions, for free).
Of course if its that bad and he refuses (and its made) to replace it, you could threaten to leave - or actually leave. It may not be worth the hassle to him to rerent it - but that depends on the rental market where you are.
2007-07-05 10:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by Slumlord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happened to me. No way should you pay for a new carpet. Landlords routinely should replace carpets in rental units when their tenants move out anyway. Tell him to keep your security deposit, but you are not giving him more money to replace an old worn carpet anyway. You definitely should not waste money having a hopeless stain cleaned either. Explain to him that this is the cost of doing business as a landlord. If this was a new carpet, it would be different.
2016-05-19 01:11:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, he doesn't have to change the carpet...as long as the house passes inpection. If you get the home inspected and the inspector finds the carpet needs to be replaced, your landlord is required by law to replace it...otherwise he can't rent out the house. If the inspector doesn't find the carpet as an issue then your landlord has the right to ask you to help pay...if you want the carpet replaced.
2007-07-05 10:37:27 · answer #3 · answered by J. A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can ask you to pay but he cannot force you to pay so long as it is normal wear and tear. If you have particularly abusive of the carpet and caused damage beyond what would normal to expect than yes he could require you to pay for the damage you caused.
IMO: If you have been there 5 years and have been good tenants and paid on time it would be good business to keep you happy and paying the rent on time.
2007-07-05 11:20:38 · answer #4 · answered by Seano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it affects your health yes. If it just looks bad probably no. Depends what is says in the lease. Ask if you do that will he take off the rent for a couple of months. Small amounts so as not to affect his situation either and he still pays for it all.
2007-07-05 20:56:09 · answer #5 · answered by ravenscloud00 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he can ask you to replace at least a third of it. only after you move out he legally has to change the carpet. good luck.
2007-07-05 10:26:57 · answer #6 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋