What do you do when a landlord won't cooperate?

Question

I have rented an apartment. The carpet was cleaned before I moved in and when I looked at it was still wet. As it dried you can see stains. I have already signed the move in inspection. In the office , landlord didn't go through it. When I asked about getting the stains out. She stated ' There was no funds for that and I already signed a paper saying that it was okay. The stains are embarrassing. Is there any thing I can do. She said put a rug over it which would be a room size rug. I would have to pay for it.

Answer 1

I totally understand what you are going through.  I had a landlord at my old apartment that told me the same bull.  I lived there nine years and she never painted my walls or changed my carpet and I got evicted because of my apartment didn't look clean.  It was all her fault.  She promised over and over that she was going to redo my whole apt.  but never did.  Now I am homeless, living with my boyfriend and his mom in another town.  I tried to make a complaint on her to the management that was over her and it did no good.  Other tenants tried to complain to but apparently they are all friends and you can't get anything done by complaining.  So I don't know what to tell you to do except fix the problem yourself because it does no good to ask your landlord or her boss to help you.  I know this doesn't help, but I just thought I would let you know what happened to me.

Answer 2

If you signed a waiver to the stains you are stuck with it unless you put your own throw rugs or a new carpet placed down..it would be expense out of your own pocket...never sign anything that you don't read or fully understand.

Answer 3

pay for the rug if the stains bother you..we are going through a similar thing with our landlord at work and there isn't really much we can do..we even offered to replace the rug if he paid for the sub flooring..he still wouldn't budge..landlords know the law and they know how to ride the line

Answer 4

Take dated pictures of the damages. Write a letter of complaint addressing the matter to the landlord/managment co./owners/local Housing Authority. You can even send a complaint to the local BBB if this matter is not addressed adequately. You need to make sure you don't let time lapse on any of this! You did make a mistake at the signing of the lease and M/I inspection form, but you can help yourself with the above. Good luck. Let me know how it turns out for you.

Answer 5

if you are really that concerned about it, get the carpets cleaned yourself.  

Answer 6

I suggest that you amend your inspection sheet with a note about the stains and pictures (and keep a copy of each for yourself).

Answer 7

Try using resolve carpet cleaner.  It gets out all kinds of stains.

Legally, you signed the move in inspection so you can be held responsible for the stains when you move out.

Answer 8

Have an Attorney Come Out and Do a Walk Through With You and Let the Attorney Read Over the Lease Papers. This Will Surprise Your Landlord, Make Him Or Her Wonder Just How Smart You Really Might Be and it Should Straighten Them Up Rather Quick. Cover Your Butt Not Those Carpet Stains!!!

Answer 9

Move into a different apartment with a similar rent and a reasonable landlord. If not, suck it up and pay for the carpet.

Answer 10

Ask to remove the rug, nothing wrong with hardwood floors.