Replacing pet stained carpets - Landlord Forum thread

Replacing pet stained carpets by dww (NY) on July 31, 2012 @22:24

I have recently bought a duplex that was rented. The old tenants have just moved out and on inspecting the condition of the property we found that the carpets are in a terrible (and stinking) condition from their two dogs and two cats. The carpets are too bad to clean, so need to be replaced.

We will be living in the lower apartment of the duplex ourselves and would prefer to replace the existing carpets (which were not of the highest quality) with some slightly better ones. However, it does not seem right to charge the old tenants from their deposit the cost of better carpets than the ones they ruined. Is there a way to install better carpets, but only charge the tenants the amount it would have cost for equivalent ones? I understand that any money taken from the deposit has to be accompanied by receipts showing what the money was spent on.

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Re: Replacing pet stained carpets by Anonymous on July 31, 2012 @22:29	[ Reply ]

What you would charge the tenants is the depreciated value of the carpet replacement. Carpets have a lifespan of about 10 years on average give or take due to the original quality of the carpet.

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets by Anonymous on July 31, 2012 @22:58	[ Reply ]

I strongly recommend that you do not replace carpets with more carpet. They are dirty. I personally detest them. I recommend laminate flooring ....there was another cool suggestion that was a vinyl product that looks like wood. Let your tenant decorate with throw rugs to suit their own taste.

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets by Jake on July 31, 2012 @23:15	[ Reply ]

If the carpets are more than 7 years old there is no useful life remaining to charge off. You will need to pay for the new carpet yourself. So, by all means, get the good stuff. Many landlords are thinking that there should be a carpet tax to be paid up front that replaces the carpets after one year or whenever the tenant moves out. I say why stop there. A paint and appliance tax should also be required along with the pet tax.

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets by Fred (MN) on August 1, 2012 @12:56	[ Reply ]

If the carpet is 5 years or older, then I'd suggest you bite the bullet and pay for full replacement. If the carpet is just a few years old, and ALL the wear and tear is associated with the same tenants, then you might consider a pro-rated fee to pick up part of the replacement cost (although, I must say, it's not usually worth the effort accept for in extreme circumstances). If you have hardwoord under those floors, then get 'em buffed up and forget the carpet. It will save you thousands in the long run.

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets by Franklin (TN) on August 1, 2012 @13:22	[ Reply ]

If you recently bought it, there are some questions about what you can deduct from the tenant's SD. How long were they there? How long did they have pets? How old is the carpet you're replacing? As it has been posted, carpet has a useful life of 10 years for the most part. If it's near 10 years old, you'll have a hard time getting anything from them on a replacement cost. Once we know some more information, we may be able to help you out.

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets by Eager2Learn on August 1, 2012 @16:48	[ Reply ]

You mentioned that you'll be living in the lower level. I would consider how much noise would be produced from tenants walking upstairs if you didn't have padded carpets. As for charging. Just pay for it yourself this time around. Get good quality thick mat, and padding. It'll be more money, but you ARE living downstairs. It'll be worth it.

Re: Replacing pet stained carpets