Can my apartment complex charge me to replace the carpets IfI just lived there a little over a year ago?
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Can my apartment complex charge me to replace the carpets IfI just lived there a little over a year ago?
Charging me $450. There are no rips or tears, just a couple of small stains, but nothing major. The carpet is white, I don’t have pets. I don’t understand how they can charge me for carpet replacement? Do they expect you to live somewhere for 12 months and not a drop of dirt on the floor? I thought it was mandatory to cover carpet replacement for tenants that have lived there for over a year. Unfortunately I do not have pics from when I moved in, but the carpet did not have any problems or anything.
Asked on April 20, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
First, if the lease or other agreement wth the landlord or management company provided that a tenant would pay for new carpet, you'd have to--terms like that, IF they are in a lease, etc., can be enforced.
Other than the above, a tenant can be charged for repairs or "extraordinary cleaning" required by the tenant's action, including acts of family, guests, pets, etc. So if red wine were spilled on carpet, or pet stains, or motor oil, etc., you could be charged for intensive cleaning or replacement; or if the carpet is ripped, you could be charged for repair or replacement--again, if you are responsible. However, tenants should not be charged for normal wear-and-tear.
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