What to do if a landlord wants to charge me for the cost of new carpet if my dad died after 17 years as a tenant?
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What to do if a landlord wants to charge me for the cost of new carpet if my dad died after 17 years as a tenant?
My dad did have cats,which violated the lease but the carpet is still 17 years old.
Asked on October 21, 2012 under Real Estate Law, South Dakota
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
A tenant cannot be charged for ordinary wear and tear to a carpet. And from the sound of things, this is the carpet that was in the unit when your father moved in 17 years ago. That having been said, to the extent that a tenant (or their pets) caused additional damage, then they would be liable for the cost of a replacement carpet. Again however, after all of these years it will be hard for the landlord to make such a claim and charge you.
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