How much will I owe for damage to an old carpet?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How much will I owe for damage to an old carpet?
I have 3 animals – 2 dogs and 1 cat. They have done some damage to the carpet. However, some of the carpeting is starting to shred in areas that meet the walls and tile, almost like it’s giving way from being old. I was just wondering if that was something that was usually prorated by the life of the carpet or I will be responsible for the whole carpet?
Asked on March 10, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Oklahoma
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The usual measure is the cost to repair to the pre-damaged state (however it was, prior to the damage done during your tenancy, other than ordinary wear and tear) or, if that is not possible, the cost to replace. So, say the damage is mostly pet urine stains...that those could be taken out completely by a professional steam cleaning, that's what should be done. But if the damage (stains or ripping done by your pets) can't be remediated in that fashion, the landlord may replace the carpet. If he has to replace it, it doesn't matter whether the carpet was 1 year or 10 years old; the measure is the cost of putting in new carpet of like quality.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.