Is it legal for a landlord to charge a tenant upon completion of a lease for normal wear and tear to a unit such as carpet replacement?
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Is it legal for a landlord to charge a tenant upon completion of a lease for normal wear and tear to a unit such as carpet replacement?
Asked on January 31, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Here is the thing: the term "normal wear and tear" means different things to different people and obviously different things to landlords and to tenants. It can mean normal wear down of carpets and replacement usually comes in only certain circumstances. Was the carpet already old when you moved in? Did you have a pet or something else that could have caused an unusual amount of new damage to the carpet? You have every right to challenge the charge and you should if you feel it is improper. Hopefully you have before and after pictures. Good luck.
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