Tenant Burnt Carpet

The landlord might not be legally required to say fix a patch of burned carpet or smoke damaged wallpaper if that s the only damage.

Tenant burnt carpet.

If the burn was there before you moved in you shouldn t be responsible for the damage. For example suppose a tenant has damaged beyond repair an eight year old carpet that had a life expectancy of ten years and that a replacement carpet of similar quality would cost 1 000. When a tenant causes damage beyond normal use a landlord has cause to charge the tenant for the damages. If there are no large stains tears or rips and the carpet simply needs to be cleaned that falls under normal wear and tear.

Matted carpet or furniture impressions are wear and tear. This may include damages inflicted by the tenants their guests or pets. Tenants can t be held responsible for normal wear and tear. Carpets in the bedroom are1 5 years old like new as first tenant was spotless.

For example if the carpet had a 10 year life expectancy but due to tenant damage had to be replaced after just seven years the tenant is only responsible for the useful life of the carpet that has been lost. The quote for replacement is 1450 approx 32sqm repair isnt really possible without it showing. Ordinary wear and tear to carpets drapes and other furnishings cannot be charged against a tenant s security deposit. All those assets are subjected to normal wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear is defined as moderate scuffs marks nicks light stains or spotting. The current tenant is moving out after 6 months has burnt the carpet in 3 places looks like straighteners as straight lines our letting agent has asked us if we want to deduct money from her deposit. A carpet is another asset in a rental property just like a fridge microwave or dishwasher. We are accidental landlords because we can t sell our flat.

If the carpet in a rental unit is damaged and must be replaced the damage the tenant is responsible for must be prorated appropriately. Burned or stained carpeting is damage. Normal wear and tear a tenant is not responsible for normal wear and tear to the walls and floor. Unless you paid for and installed them yourself carpets are your landlord s property.

However if you caused damage to your landlord s carpet your renter s insurance should cover it. When the apartment is uninhabitable sometimes the fire damage. Civil code section 1950 5 e ordinary wear and tear includes simple wearing down of carpet and drapes because of normal use or aging and includes moderate dirt or spotting.