can i request my landlord to change carpet in my apt?

Question

I'm a NJ resident.
i live in bergen county
and i lived in same apt for 4 yrs.
carpet wasnt new and it was really old
when we first moved in
and it has been 4 yrs and my landlord never
cleaned or replaced it.
as a result of it my family and i devloped asthmas.
is it possible for me to ask our landlord to
replace the carpet? is there a law that says something about carpet should be replaced or cleaned by landlord regularly?

Answer 1

you can ask, but be careful how you ask. Niceness counts. He (the landlord) does not have to

Answer 2

If your lease states that you are responsible for carpet cleaning upon move out, then no, the landlord is not responsible for having the carpet professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Carpet ages, it's a fact of life. Perhaps when you moved in it was something he was considering but wasn't fully sold on at the time. If he hasn't been by to see the carpet lately, request an inspection so that he can see the shape it's in. He may decide to have it changed, as an investment in his property. It's a major hassle to do when there are tenants, though, so don't be surprised if he says no.

You can ask if he'd let you change the carpet for a reduction in rent, but that's not very likely. Just don't change it on your own. There's probably a clause in your lease that states that no changes are to be made to the unit without the landlord's approval.

Answer 3

I'm a landlord, and you're entitled to 'ask' anything. You can never prove that the old carpet is causing asthma - never been done. Approach your landlord with sweetness and a plate of brownies or cookies. Tell him you'll split the cost 'since this a health concern of yours, PERSONALLY, and nothing that is his fault." If you have 4+ yrs with a good payment history; trust me, he values you as a tenant. (I know I would!). If he has a soul at all, he'll do it for free, or you'll only pay 1/3 cost. Be gracious and let him choose the color, as he has to rent it again when you are gone. Trust me; the 'pretty please?' approach works much better than the 'Don't you think you owe me?' approach. Be mindful and consider: Has he NOT chosen to raise the rent because he factored in that you had not previously asked for new carpet? Did he NOT raise the rent even tho his taxes, insurance, and water have increased these past 4 yrs? I once had a tenant who was crabby and unreasonable as he demanded improvements. I complied with his requests and promptly raised his rent. In the end, he could've saved himself thousands over the long haul, if he had only asked me 'nicely'.

Answer 4

Most tenants shampoo their own carpets. I wouldn't replace yours if you haven't cleaned the one that's in there. If your asthma is triggered by the old carpet, it will probably be bothered by a new carpet too. Most carpet have a minimum life time of 10 years. With good care they can last substantially longer than that. You sound like the guy on here that was complaining because his landlord charged him for having to clean the blinds when he moved out. He thought that was outrageous but the blinds were clean when he moved in. Same with carpets. If your carpet was stained, that's one thing. But if it was clean, you need to keep it clean. Why don't you have a nice conversation with your landlord and ask him if he would clean your carpet for you. Tell him you're having trouble. Or ask him if he would replace the carpet, that it is old and not very nice looking. But first, please learn more about asthma. My friend has asthma and she has no drapes or carpet in her house. The dust that gathers in carpets is killer to her. And if you don't keep your carpets clean, wouldn't you end up with the same dilemma? Think about tile. . .

Answer 5

It is your responsibility to keep the dwelling clean. That includes cleaning the carpeting. If the carpeting is beyond repair and your family is getting sick, then you should have an honest conversation with your landlord about making improvements. They rented the apartment to you in the condition that it was in. Unless the contract specifies that they are to make improvements, then they are not obliged to do so. Many land lords will grant requests to keep a good renter. Good luck.

Answer 6

Legally, I believe a landlord should change the carpet in your apartment after 5 years due to normal wear and tear. However, they may try to do something sneaky like raise your rent at the next opportunity, to try and re-coup some of the costs.

You may want to hire a professional cleaning company to come in and clean the carpets, if you feel that is a possibility first. It depends how deep the dirt has accumilated.

If you have a good relationship with your landlord, discuss your options with them. Of course, you have to take into consideration the health of your family as well.

Each state may vary where the landlord-tenant rules apply.

Answer 7

The landlord is never responsible for cleaning carpet, that is your job including cleaning it when you move out. If it is old carpet you might get a landlord to replace it but they are not required to. I doubt your asthma developed because of the carpet.

Answer 8

A wall-to-wall carpet is a part of the apartment, so if it's old and creating a health hazard or other dangerous condition (such as dust, holes, etc). then the landlord should replace it at his expense as long as you didn't damage it or cause any unreasonable wear and tear. Since you mentioned that it was already worn when you moved in, he shouldn't hold you responsible for it. You did take photos of the carpet when you moved in, right?

Answer 9

You can request your landlord change the carpet but they may not.

I think it is your place to clean the carpet in the apartment. Four years is a long time to let a carpet go without cleaning it.

Answer 10

Yes, he has to change, if it is causing health problems. As a matter of fact, if it was as old as you say it is, he should've replaced it before you moved in. He sounds pretty dumb, because he's actually setting hisself up for a law suit. I don't know the landlord- tennant laws where you live, but i do know, if you suffer health problems do to his/her negligence you are intitled to a claim. You should take this matter up with the board of health and file a civil claim. In the mean-while you should check out your states landlord- tennant laws. If you really love your home so much and you adore your health, I would change the carpet myself and hand him the bill, or tell him to deduct it from your rent if you don't want any problems.

Answer 11

the carpet shud of been replaced when u moved in...u can tell him wats goin on with u and ur family geting sick hell have to change it....i dont know the landlord laws there..but im positive when it comes to ur health they have to do something about it..

heres a site for tenant right....and laws in new york


goood luck......by the way i had the same problem and my landlord cahnged my carpet