LL Replace carpets - Landlord Forum thread

LL Replace carpets by Chris (Virginia) on February 9, 2012 @16:34

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Upon checkout with my landlord, he informed me that I took very good care of his rental. His only complaint was that he could smell dog in the rental (not urine just in his words can smell dog). It was noted in our contract that I would have 2 dogs residing with me and I was required to put 1000.00 refundable pet deposit down. He sent me a letter saying he had contacted 3 different carpet companies and the concenus was the even though there were no visable stains and the carpet was in very good condition, the carpets and padding would needed to be replace to get rid of the smell. As per our contract I had the carpets proffesionally cleaned already and the whole house fumagated. I lived in this home for 3 years as per our conversation the last tentant also lived there for 3 years and the carpets were put in prior to last tenants. So the carpets are at a minimum 6 years old. He says I have to pay the full amount to get all the carpets in the house replace.The amount is more than my pet deposit so he using my security deposit as well. I have read on numerous sites that there is a depriciation formula, and that I should only have to be liable for a percentage of the replacment. I have read anywhere from a carpet life expectancy from 5-7-10 years. Does anyone know in the state of Virginia if this formula applies, and if so where I maybe able to find this information. At this point it looks like my only options are to have him take it out of my deposit and take him to small claims court to get the rest of my money back. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Re: LL Replace carpets by Abdon on February 9, 2012 @17:47	[ Reply ]

You only have to pay for the depreciated value of the carpets. Mind you, this is _NOT_ the replacement value: If 7 years ago he paid $1,000 for the carpets, they have a 10-year lifespan, and it costs him now $2,000 for the replacement, you can only be on the hook for a maximum of $300, 30% of what he paid for them. Unfortunately you may need to take him to small claims court.

Re: LL Replace carpets