How do you determine normal wear and tear on carpet in a rental property?

Question

My tenant that just moved out is a roofer, and it looks like he wore his workboots all over the carpeting. He took more of a toll on the carpet in one year than my family did in seven years when we lived in the property.

Answer 1

normal ware and tear is if the carpet is dirty from normal use. if there is tar on the rug, that is not normal.  you have a right to keep his security deposit for a new carpet less depreciated value of the carpet. usually 20 percent per year. send him a notice, registered mail, informing him of the carpet damage. and the amount of money you are deducting from his security deposit.

take pictures of the carpet and apartment to prove your case because he will probably take you to small claims court for his money back.

good luck

Answer 2

SORRY, but in rentals ,lifetime of carpets is 5 to 7 years depending on state.  You had carpet 7 years and he lived there 1 year, that's eight years, I am sure you took better care of carpet than he did however some times being a land lord is not easy. That being said he knows he messed up carpet and probably does not expect much of his deposit back, simply ask what happened to carpet,  tar will not come out , and you know that it is going to have to be replaced and you are going to charge him something for the damage.Talk to or send letter and then try to be fair with charge. No matter this will not see inside  of court, but take pictures of all damage. source, landlord

Answer 3

I had the same kind of tenant in my rental. He was a roofer and he left me with carpet that was so fifthly that even the pros's couldn't clean it. That's neglect, not normal wear and tear.You can use his deposit to replace the carpet and if it isn't enough sue for the rest. Normal wear and tear is worn spots. Filth and cigarette burns are not.

Answer 4

Dirt and soil are NOT wear and tear.  Normal wear and tear is simply the matting or wearing down of the fibers due to normal daily foot traffic.  If this guy has roof tar on your carpets, you are entitled to demand replacement.