What to do if my former roommate acquired a dog during our tenancy but failed to pay the pet deposit?

Question

My former roommate acquired a dog without consulting me during our tenancy and failed to pay the pet deposit. Now, our landlord is claiming the only 10 month old carpet (which smelled like dog upon our move in and had a few stains here and there) needed to be replaced due to damages done beyond normal wear-and-tear. It cost $3400 to replace the carpet and she's charging us for the full price. My roommate claims it is all of our responsibility and that we are all liable to pay for the damages done. I don't think it's fair that we pay for the carpet given the fact that the main reason why the carpet was in such bad shape was because of her dog. There were stains here and there...but I showed my landlord that these stains could be removed and if done correctly by steam cleaning, would erase the problem. It says in the lease that our deposit would go towards a professional cleaning of the house. My roommate and I are both on this lease as well, so we are both responsible. What should I do regarding this situation? I'm so angry!

Answer 1

So you had no indication on having that dog at all? So why didn't you put your foot down, when she first brought it. Im sure you enjoyed the dog from time to time, and now when it's that hard part with the carpets and the consequence you don't want the dog at all. That's not right. If you really wanted to you could have said you were allergic to dogs or you just don't think you should have one. Not now after it's to late and you have to fix the carpets.

Answer 2

The best advice is to not have a roommate.....You are just as responsible, legally since you were both on the lease...

Answer 3

$3400 buys a LOT of apartment-grade carpet. Just how many rooms got trashed?

You showed your landlord how to clean the carpet, but you did not clean the carpet yourself?

Your roommate brought a dog and you didn't make her go to the office to pay the pet deposit?

Kid, you got caught being stupid. Pay your fines.

Answer 4

After you determine the amount the landlord will charge you and you pay it (yes, between you and the landlord you are both "jointly and severally" responsible) you sue your roommate because it was his dog.

However, the landlord can't simply replace the carpet without trying a professional cleaning first. He must mitigate his damages.

Answer 5

I would steam clean the carpet, take pictures when it looks its best, and then flat out refuse to pay for new carpet (but you can kiss your deposit good-bye).  

If the landlord takes you to court for this cost they may not win (if the carpet doesn't look that bad), may only win for some of the money they want, and even if they do win the judge could decide that the roommate with the dog should pay more (or even all) of the costs since he was the one breaking the lease.  

Answer 6

In this situation unfortunately you will both be responsible as you are both on the lease.  I would suggest taking her to small claims court if you end up having to foot the bill as that would be the best way to resolve the conflict.