I've Been renting a house for 4 years, Can i make my landlord pay to have carpet cleaned, or deduct from rent?

Question

someone please help me with this . I've been in my house for4 years. I've rented a RugDoctor 5 times an payed for it, but i want to have this carpet professionally cleaned, since it is over 15 years old. Legally does my landlord have any obligation to pay to either clean or replace the carpet? If so can I just deduct the cleaning bill from the rent? How long can a landlord go legally without cleaning or replacing carpet?Thanks guys ur the best!

Answer 1

If the carpet belongs to you, it's your responsibility. If it belongs to the landlord, it's his. But persuading him to do the job may not be easy, as landlords don't like spending money.

Answer 2

As far as I know, as long as you occupy the place, you are responsible for cleaning your carpet. Don't go deduct anything from your rent, unless you want to go to court.

Good Landlords offer to replace the carpets every10-15 years-especially when a tenant has been living there all those years. Usually, if you move in between that time span, the landlord will only replace it when you move. Sometimes, a LL will even send a professional carpet cleaner every 1-2 years to ensure the carpets are kept in good condition. Please note, not all LL will do this. Unfortunately, if the carpet was 11 years old when you moved in, it should have looked like it. You really should pointed out your concerns then.

You could nicely ask him to replace it. Kindly tell him, it is so worn and old, the years of dirt is hard to come off-I am hoping this is why you rented the Rug Doctor 5 times and not because of utter sloppiness. Ask the LL to replace it. If he/she refuses, then buy large area rugs to cover up your carpets, and to prevent further damage.

Also re-read your lease, you may find more on this subject in there.

In the future, be more observant of the places you rent. What seems to be small damage at the time, could turn into a big problem for you later.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

As long as you are occupying the residence, the cleaning would actually be your responsibility. If the carpet is tattered and worn, then you may want to try and find out from your housing authority if you can do anything about hm replacing it. The only thing you get with renting is after renting for an extended period of time is relief on the cleaning expenses when you move. If you have occupied a residence for more than 3 years, they typically pay the cleaning expense when you move, because they know normal wear and tear will happen.

Answer 4

I have been in the situation before. I really think if yo sit down and talk to your landlord he may have the carpets cleaned. Especially if you have been in there for four years. Landlords love having someone in there that are going to take care of things and not a fast turn over. On the other side legally unless it is in the lease there is nothing you can do. One more thing most leases expire and unless you sign another each year it may not be valid.

Answer 5

It all depends on the relationship between yourself and the House owner. Further more, if the carpet is yours, why would he bear the cost of cleaning?. After all, it is used by you and your family only. He would have rented you his house without a carpet only. In this case, universally I think, the Landlord is at no obligation.
If on the other hand, you rented the house with the carpet on, you may request him for the expense, which he may or may not agree to pay. Again, your relationship counts with him. Apart from the carpet, the Landlord may ask you to white wash the wall, replace broken bulbs, taps etc. at the time of your moving out of his house.

Answer 6

You do. Unless its stated in your contract that the landlord has to maintain the property to the standard you had when you moved in. Some landlords are great and you can bring this up with them, especially if the carpet is really tatty. Whichever way it unfolds your landlord has to be notified so that you can take the carpet when you leave without a problem or so he refunds you the carpet money along with your deposit if its left behind. Get a clear written agreement.

Answer 7

Life expectancy of a carpet is 7-10 years in a rental. It is your responsibility to keep it clean but if it's worn to a point that it needs replacing, it is the owner's responsibility to do that. The law is different in every state but below is the California Department of Consumer Affairs website. This page is about Security deposits.

Maybe there's a similar one in your state.
GOOD luck.

Answer 8

I would ask my landlord if he would have the carpet cleaned, or if he would pay half. Legally his responsibilities and yours depends on your lease. I figure that the dirt in the carpet is mine and its my responsibility to get it out. However the landlord may agree to replace worn out carpet if you ask him to replace it for a long term tenant.
p.s. You cannot just deduct anything from the rent. You want a receipt that you paid the rent in full. Always.

Answer 9

As a tenant you are responsible for cleaning carpet. Your landlord has no obligation to do so. In fact he can require that you clean it once or twice a year. It doesn't matter how old it is

Answer 10

In general, most places will have the carpets cleaned for you once a year. I would approach your landlord and request a carpet cleaning...after 4 years, there shouldn't be a problem. After all, he wants it to be maintained nicely as well. And part of the benefit of renting is that the owner takes responsibility for maintenance issues.

Answer 11

Well if you don't mind being evicted, I guess you could with-hold the rent. I think that cleaning of the carpet is entirely up to you. I don't know of any law that requires a landlord to clean carpet or replace it! I think you must negotiate that.

About the only time I know of that landlords normally clean or replace carpet is between renters, but I really don't think it's required even then.