Do I have to replace my landlord’s carpets?
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Do I have to replace my landlord’s carpets?
I rented a condo for 15 months. The house was given to me in
Asked on October 8, 2016 under Real Estate Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If your dogs did stain the carpet or otherwise cause some odor that can't be wiped out by ordinary, end of tenancy cleaning, then yes, you are responsible. Tenants are liable for all damage--which includes irreducible odors and/or stains--which they, their family, their guests, and their pets caused. If you believe he is lying and can't prove that your pets caused the odor, you could refuse to pay, let him sue you, and defend yourself in court--if he can't prove his case, he can't force you to pay. But if you believe that it may well be that your dogs caused an odor which reasonably requires replacing the carpets (since new tenants will not want carpetting which smells of dog), then you are better off trying to work out a payment or amount you are comfortable with. If you can settle, get the terms of the settlement in wrtiting, signed by the landlord.
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