Does a landlord have any responsibility in replacing old worn out carpet?
I've lived in my apartment for 16 years. The carpet is the original carpet, which was 10 years old when I moved in. This makes the carpet 26 years old! I fear rent increases. Should I offer to replace it myself?
Posted in old rugs
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April 27th, 2010 at 4:36 am
For you, I would replace it!
Do they have to, sorry no.
You would have to remove your own stuff so it can be put in.
No, you should not have to pay for it.
For such a long term resident, your landlord would be an idiot to not help you out and put it in.
April 27th, 2010 at 4:36 am
No, the landlord doesn’t have any responsibility unless the lease provides otherwise. Now, the lease could provide for replacement. Or it might be far more vague, such as the landlord shall perform routine maintenance, etc. And you might argue that that’s included in the lease requirements. But if it’s not specifically in the lease, no.
As a practical matter, if you were my tenant, I’d be glad to replace the carpet. If I had a tenant for 16 years, I’d make every attempt to keep you happy.
Have you asked the landlord? You probably know him/her fairly well. Don’t phrase it as a demand, but rather as a reasonable request, which it is.
If the landlord declines, offer to split the cost. But it is a reasonable request; try that approach first.
Good luck.
April 27th, 2010 at 4:36 am
That depends on how much rent you pay. 16 years is a long time to rent from someone. So if you pay a reasonable amount of rent then yes I would ask to have a new carpet. But if you are paying rent way below the market for your apartment then I would ask him to pull up the old rug see what is underneath and maybe get area rugs