Getting charged for carpet replacement by apartment building?

Question

I just moved out of my apartment building and they are now charging me for $800 for replacing the carpet. They said my dog peed on the carpet so they had to replace it. The thing is that there were pee stains on it before we moved in. I didn't document them though so I have no proof. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do? Thanks.

Answer 1

.   THis makes me mad.  You pay $800.  If you come back in 12 months the same carpet will be inside and they will be charging the next tenants $800 for new carpet.

In the future, always have a video camera on move-in and move-out day.  That makes life so much easier. And if you don't have a camera, borrow one for 15 minutes.

Do any of the neighbors know the name of the last tenant in your unit?  If so , you could find if they charged her $800.  If so, you could sue them in Small Claims court for fraud.

Answer 2

Important to document everything before you take residence. Just like renting a car.

Answer 3

If there is a stain, it doesn't mean it was urine. Actually, you usually CAN'T SEE the pet stain, but only smell it.

Pay up, or fight in court. The landlord would most likely only get the depreciated value of the carpet when you moved in. However, in court they are likely to bring in all the other damages you did, but they didn't charge you for.

Actually $800 is cheap. I've had tenants ruin $3,000 in brand new carpeting.

You know if you are responsible for the damage. You need to own up to what you did while occupying the premises. No one can, or should, get you out of what you are responsible for.

Answer 4

nope, you're stuck.

Answer 5

He is only charging you part.   What you should do is apologize for letting your dog p**s in the house.   That is so disgusting.    The landlord had no choice.   Dog and cat p**s does not shampoo out, the carpet has to be thrown away.

Answer 6

How long did you live in this apartment?  Did you ever pay to have the carpet cleaned or did the apt. complex do so while you lived there?  I lived in my apartment for 4 years prior to moving and before I turned in the keys I did a "walk-through" with the management to make sure we were clear on what I owed, nothing.  It sucks that they are trying to charge you BUT you how long did you live there, how many square feet is the place, how much of that carpeted?  

Answer 7

The only thing you can do is pay the $800. Like you said you have no proof that there were stains before you moved in.

Answer 8

Is that the entire cost of the new carpet or a prorated cost?  They can only charge you for the depreciated value.  If the carpet had stains on it, it wasn't new.  Do you have any idea how old it was?

Typical commercial grade carpet that most apartment complexes use has a life expectancy of 3 ot 5 years.  Try asking them when the carpet was installed and work out the depreciated value.  You owe that.