Our family just moved into an apartment with 4 year old carpet (the manager verified the installation date). We plan on moving in 4 years when my husband is done with medical school. Therefore, the carpet would be 8 years old. We would like to pay to replace the carpeting, but the manager is claiming that the carpeting we are looking at isn't quot;commercial gradequot; and that it won't last after we move. The manager also claims that the carpeting that is currently installed could potentially last another 4-8 years. The current rule here is that if you damage the carpet and it must be replaced within the first 7 years, you must pay x/7 of the value. My question is: If we trash our carpet and move out in 4 years, they won't be able to charge us. Why can't I just replace it now with carpeting that I like? Does this sound right? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
One reason you can't replace is because it isn't yours..you are only renters and until you get permission there really isn't much you can do If the carpet is bad, I would take pictures with or video with the date on them on hold on to that until you move out and get your deposit. He can't make you pay for normal wear and tear on carpet.
I agree - don't replace carpet in a place you are renting. Get a steam cleaner and get it thoroughly cleaned or something. That will help you too. But hold off on replacing carpet until you buy a house and need to do that. Why waste your money on something that you don't even own?
They will be able to charge you because the carpet you are installing is not commercial grade? If you replace it, are you really going to live in that SAME apartment? It's not worth it to replace someone else's place. Save yourself the money and be happy. Put rugs over it or something that you like, don't replace the carpet!
Despite what many people think, you really cant put an expiration date on carpet, I dont see how he can really do this. Do not put the carpet in for all the reasons specified above. I dont know a single land lord who doesn't factor in normal wt. Unless there is overwhelming evidence that you completely destroyed the carpet, they dont have much on you. My step father went to court for this same reason, he was trying to sue for carpet that was about 5 1/2 years old, claiming that the previous tenants had destroyed it. The judge told my step dad, tough, carpet will be subject to wt.
The manager is nixing your carpet plans? I would find out who is the owner is and speak to them...I would bet that the owner would be much more amendable to working with you, and may replace the carpet for you. You said family, so I am assuming you have kids...and I wouldn't want them crawling around on 4 year old carpet that you don't know what it's been through. If the owner isn't willing to work with you either, then I would look for a place where they are a little more reasonable. We live near IU, and both places my fiancee and I have lived at have been very willing to work with us. One place replaced the carpet in the bedroom at our request, and also put in a ceiling fan...and it was the owner. In our new place, they are supposed to charge for screen doors (they are optional), and when my fiancee spoke to the owner, we didn't have to pay. The owners are businessmen/women...and you are their customer, and they want to keep you. They can't make money if an apartment or house is empty. The managers are employees, they have no vested interest. Good luck.
