I'm moving and I'm affraid my deposit will pay for new carpet?

Question

When I moved in, they refuse to change the 70's type carpet I had, it was also dirty cause within a month, stains started popping up. They refuse to clean or replace. I'm moving out this month and I've been here for 8 years now, is my 600 deposit gone? Is there a legal issue I can follow if they don't return my deposit and they charge me for new carpet for the new tenants?

Thanks

Answer 1

in CA u are not responsible for the carpet cleaning if u have lived there for more than two years. They shouldn't be able to take ur whole deposit because they refused to replace their dirty old carpet. Google "Renters Rights" and your home town and u should find some websites that may direct u on how to help urself. They may even be some attorneys that pop up on that search that u can consult with.

Answer 2

Yes your deposit is gone.  And while I am sure that the apartment was not pristine when you moved in (it never is!) you surely have caused some cleaning and repairs yourself (everyone does, especially in 8 years).  I never have counted on my deposits and you shouldn't either.  Just remember if for some reason you want to fight this you will be one lone person fighting a large property management company.  The odds are not in your favor.

Answer 3

If the carpet is more stained than it was when you got there.... you put the stains there. Stains don't just appear. Style is not really a cause to change the carpet when you moved in, so they weren't obligated to change it.

If you took photos of the carpet when you moved in, and can prove teh stains were already there, you may have a chance.

Otherwise: say goodbye to you deposit.