Does anyone know the laws on tenant/landlord responsibilities? We're renting a house, and the tenants (who arent moving out) are deducting carpet cleaning out of their rent... but they've been living there for a few years now. So since they're living there, shouldnt they be the ones paying for they're own carpet cleaning?
2007-12-06 05:03:16 · 10 answers · asked by Annie 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
They are NOT moving out and have been living there for about 3 years now. They are deducting the carpet cleaning from their monthly rent... I am wondering if there is more to the story now.
2007-12-06 06:26:37 · update #1
You need to look up the landlord/tenant laws for your state and county because it varies by location. Logically speaking, however, the tenants should pay for their own carpet cleaning while they live there and you are responsible for cleaning, or replacing, the carpets when they move. Usually that last bit comes from the deposit, if they haven't lived there long and have damaged the carpets. If it's normal wear and tear, however, my state expects the landlord to eat the cost.
2007-12-06 05:12:17 · answer #1 · answered by Rebeckah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, YOU are the landlord and YOU pay for the carpet cleaning. It's YOUR carpet not THEIRS! Of course, if the carpet is damaged in some way and was damaged by the tenants (or heavily soiled by something other than normal wear and tear) then it's a different ballgame. However, the tenants should NEVER have had the carpet cleaned without your prior permission (in writing), and then tried to deduct it from their rent. That is illegal. If they cleaned it themselves, then that's another story, because frankly, they can't deduct money for doing the job themselves. However, they may have asked you to have the carpet cleaned and you refused. You cannot blame them for wanting a cleaner fresher carpet. What's really going on here?I suggest you sit down and talk with them and open a line of communication. Somehow, I don't think we are hearing the whole story on this one.
2007-12-06 05:31:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually, YOU should be paying for the carpet cleaning, not the people that are staying there, unless the carpet is extensively damaged.
To me, it is unsanitary to rent a unit between tenants and not clean the carpet.
In my state, it is illegal for me to charge a tenant for ANY routine maintenance item...and that includes carpet cleaning, painting, etc...because I do these when every tenant moves out, as with most landlords.
Now, if I have the carpets cleaned and they don't come clean, then I charge for replacement.
2007-12-06 05:11:18 · answer #3 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can not deduct anything from rent without your permission and carpet clean is almost never the responsibility of the landlord.
2007-12-08 04:46:48 · answer #4 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work for a property managing company in Hawaii. All of our leases stated that when the tenant vacated they had to have the carpets professionally cleaned and provide a receipt to show that it was done. If not receipt was provided or it hadn't been done, we would have it done and take the cost from their security deposit. It was stated clearly in black and white and gone over verbally when they checked into their unit.
Check the lease you signed with your tenants. If it says that they are responsible for carpet cleaning upon vacate, then they're responsible. Check your local landlord tenant code for what's allowable in your area. In any search engine type in your state's name and landlord or tenant. Go to the state's website (.gov) not to the .coms for the best, most accurate info.
2007-12-06 05:58:04 · answer #5 · answered by Willow Natalia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a new one I've not heard. They're deducting rents for cleaning up the dirt THEY caused ??? Ummm....no, they don't get to do that. Are they going to send you the costs for them washing their clothing and dishes as well ?
Note to the other answerers. These folks are NOT moving out. They're simply deducting costs of carpet cleaning, and they're staying there as tenants... :)
2007-12-06 06:18:01 · answer #6 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
since theyve been living there then no they are responsible for cleaning the carpet.look at it this way,do they also expect you to mop and sweep to?ots the same principle.tell them nope there responsible for the carpets and next time they try to hold it from rent refuse it and tell them you want all the rent not just half.if that doesnt work can always kick them out for not paying in full.
2007-12-06 06:37:27 · answer #7 · answered by mamanana9 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That should have been agreed upon in advance; its in my lease that I must pay for carpet cleaning when I move out. Since it wasn't agreed upon in advance...its pretty much open to negotiation now
2007-12-06 05:12:51 · answer #8 · answered by Emily 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tenant pays, since it is the tenant who got the carpet dirty in the first place.
2016-05-28 11:04:24 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they are responsible unless the carpet is soiled beyond normal use. I mean if they had a pet that left stains, they are responsible.
2007-12-06 05:35:48 · answer #10 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋