Tenant Burnt Carpet

Tenants can t be held responsible for normal wear and tear.

Tenant burnt carpet.

A carpet is another asset in a rental property just like a fridge microwave or dishwasher. The current tenant is moving out after 6 months has burnt the carpet in 3 places looks like straighteners as straight lines our letting agent has asked us if we want to deduct money from her deposit. For example suppose a tenant has damaged beyond repair an eight year old carpet that had a life expectancy of ten years and that a replacement carpet of similar quality would cost 1 000. Matted carpet or furniture impressions are wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear a tenant is not responsible for normal wear and tear to the walls and floor. We are accidental landlords because we can t sell our flat. The landlord could properly charge only 200 for the two years worth of life use that would have remained if the tenant had not damaged the carpet. Unless you paid for and installed them yourself carpets are your landlord s property.

If the carpet in a rental unit is damaged and must be replaced the damage the tenant is responsible for must be prorated appropriately. Normal wear and tear is defined as moderate scuffs marks nicks light stains or spotting. When the apartment is uninhabitable sometimes the fire damage. Carpets in the bedroom are1 5 years old like new as first tenant was spotless.

This may include damages inflicted by the tenants their guests or pets. The quote for replacement is 1450 approx 32sqm repair isnt really possible without it showing. Ordinary wear and tear to carpets drapes and other furnishings cannot be charged against a tenant s security deposit. Civil code section 1950 5 e ordinary wear and tear includes simple wearing down of carpet and drapes because of normal use or aging and includes moderate dirt or spotting.

When a tenant causes damage beyond normal use a landlord has cause to charge the tenant for the damages. Your landlord s homeowner s insurance should cover the cost of repairs. Burned or stained carpeting is damage. All those assets are subjected to normal wear and tear.

If the burn was there before you moved in you shouldn t be responsible for the damage. For example if the carpet had a 10 year life expectancy but due to tenant damage had to be replaced after just seven years the tenant is only responsible for the useful life of the carpet that has been lost. The landlord might not be legally required to say fix a patch of burned carpet or smoke damaged wallpaper if that s the only damage.