Dirty carpet in home and apartment rentals Isn't there some law to protect tenants?

Question

how can they sleep at night why not install laminate that is nearly indestructible why don't they replace worn ugly old carpet.isn't it wrong if the landlord wouldn't have his children in an apartment or house like the one he expects you to rent

Answer 1

This is where the tenants need to take some responsibility for what they rent.

I wouldn't rent a property unless the carpets were clean AT lease signing.

If the landlord cannot perform this function, add an addendum to the lease that if the LL fails to clean the carpet, then with a receipt from a reputable carpet cleaning company, the LL will give permission, in advance for the tenant to take the fee out of the rent.

There is also the matter of BEING clean.  A landlord isn't responsible for cleaning the carpet during occupancy.  Dirty shoes worn inside the home track in dirt and should be removed at the front door....nothing stops you from cleaning them yourself.

Answer 2

It is a business and you have to cater to your market.  If you have rentals in an area where you can't get much money you don't spend much money on your property.  These areas become slums and you become a slum lord.

In an area where you charge more rent it will probably be more competitive and you have to step it up and provide better homes in order to rent them out.  

Like any other business you have to know your market and remain profitable if you want to stay in business.

I have two rentals both are nice one has laminate and one will once I have to replace the carpet.  I agree with you on the laminate and would recommend it to others.

Answer 3

Tenants have rights. If the carpet is moldy and smells of urine you've got a case. If the carpet is merely stained and ratty looking not much you can do. You don't have to rent the place. I guarantee you someone else will come along that will.

This is why many landlords like renting to illegal aliens so much, they never complain about such things. Illegals happily pay top dollar for dilapidated rental units and the property owner profits big time by not putting any money into the place for upkeep.

Believe me I've seen some real pits. Surprised at the living conditions some will people accept.

Laminates are easier to maintain but far from indestructible, advantage with carpet is it's easily replaced by someone who knows what they're doing. Not so with laminated flooring. Also many people prefer carpet because of it's sound deadening qualities and it's warmer during winter months.

EDIT: To the thumbs downers: Just because someone owns rental property in a poor area doesn't mean stop the upkeep and pack the tenants in like sardines. You don't HAVE to become a slumlord.