Does my landlord have to replace my old, disgusting, probably a health hazard, carpet?

Question

My stepfather's parents are my landlords. I moved in to the apartment about 3 months ago. The carpet is over 10 years old, and is a blue with a brownish green hue from all the nasty stuff in it. At first it was going to be cleaned, but that didn't even get done. I was in such a hurry to move in I figured we would fight about it later. I have asthma and since we have moved in, both my son and I have been having problems breathing. Also, we were playing on the floor one day, and when I woke up the next morning, I had a horrible rash where my stomach and arms were on the carpet. Is it too late for me to fight for new carpet? I do not want to cause family problems, but even if they evict me for calling the owners, they would have to replace the carpet anyways. Also, in the doorways to the bedrooms there are huge holes from the previous tenants cats. we were told they would be replaced in 2 weeks. Nothing yet. What should I do??

Answer 1

thats what happens when you get in a hurry......the time to talk about it.....
well, you know......b 4 moving in, when u had the money in your hand...

Answer 2

If you are on reasonable to good terms with your landlord...approach them about a mutually convenient date to replace the carpet...you might also want to *briefly* mention the health challenges the carpet is causing.

YES, they are legally responsible for replacing the carpet, and replacing the doors (although the previous tenant is financially responsible for the damage...the loss of their damage deposit theoretically covers replacement of same).

If you didn't care about family repercussions, I would be encouraging you to approach the local Board of Health / Health Department / Landlord/Tenancy Branch / etc. The resultant fines and monitoring would guarantee The carpet is a health hazard, and could KILL you and/or your son!

When you approach the almost relatives (i.e.: the owners), if you have the funds available, after you do some quick research for non-allergenic and easily cleanable carpet friendly to asthmatics. Offer to pay half the cost (in exchange for a slightly reduced rent?) of the required "high" end carpet.

Cleaning tip: when cleaning the carpet/uphostry, do not rent/use a shampooer/steamer that dumps large amounts of water on the problem. The water causes the fibers to rot, and can cause breakage in the weave. Although there are equally good models out there, when properly used, the Electrolux Carpet Cleaning system is ideal...you work a low-water content foam into the fibers, allow it to dry, and then vacuum it up. Takes about 30 minutes to an hour for a large-ish room...longer in high humidity climates.

Please note that the day you moved in, general cleaning of the carpet became your responsibility, although they should have replaced it before you moved in.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Absent any written agreement covering the issues of which you speak, you cannot demand anything legally. You accepted the apartment 'as is' when you took occupancy.

I suggest that you find a way to rent a carpet shampooer and go at it. I have serious doubts that your rash came from 'dirt in the carpet'. Your asthma isn't affected by 'dirt in the carpet' either, unless it's dirt you aren't vacuuming up in the normal course of cleaning.

As for the doors with the holes, ask when the replacements will be installed, reminding them that they did agree to replace them within two weeks. You could also ask if the landlord would consider paying the cost of a carpet shampooer rental.

Answer 4

I'd simply contact your landlord and lay it out for them.. they are family, so do it nicely. Just mention about the problems, and the promises to get things done which haven't happened yet, and your asthma and rashes, etc, and just say you love the house and want to stay, but if something isn't done about the things that need to be done, you'll have to find another place. Then see what they say.

Answer 5

Can he, confident. could he, no. Will he get away with it relies upon on you... Did your condo settlement/hire specify how/ whilst the pass out walk-by way of/ inspection could ensue? Do you have any witnessess which you tried contacting him? Did you purchased an somewhat final accounting of your deposits (outlining what expenditures have been claimed for what damages)? via regulation in maximum states, a landlord could carry out a pass out walk-by way of along with his tenants whilst they are waiting to coach interior the keys to their unit. If the owner chooses to no longer carry out this walk-by way of, he's accepting the unit as is and would possibly no longer declare damages above favourite placed on and tear. If the tenants turn interior the keys with out scheduling a walk-by way of, or decline to be modern-day for the walk-by way of, then the owner can value for any and all damages above favourite wera and tear, see you later as they are all documented. on your particular subject, how previous became the carpet? each and every state has a chart/breakdown of ways long particular products are solid for (ie: variety/oven - fifteen years; refrigerator - fifteen years; paint - 5 years; carpet - 5 to 10 years...); those rcharts variety somewhat from state to state, so verify alongside with your community housing business enterprise/criminal help. If the carpet became on the tip of that's useful lifespan, your landlord can not value you for its replace. If the carpet nevertheless had useful existence left, he can in straightforward terms value you for the prorated element that could have been left when you moved. Plus, he could have the skill to illustrate that changing the carpet became the on your funds approach of rehabilitating the flooring (extra low priced than having it patched...) Your suitable guess, is to hold collectively up any and all paperwork and documentation you have and seek for suggestion from with a criminal help place of work on your section. they'd have the skill to advise you with a perfect direction of action.