Would I need to replace the carpet?

Question

In my rental, patches of my carpet are clearly worn while most of the rest carpet is still okay. If it was vacant, I'd probably need to replace the whole carpet.

But, if somebody came in now and saw it with the current tenant living there, they probably wouldn't notice a thing with the tenant's furniture and rugs covering up those patches.

Let's say a prospective tenant checks the place while the current tenant is still living there, doesn't see any problems with the carpet and likes it enough to sign a lease.

What happens when the new tenant moves when its vacant and notices the problems with the carpet? Would I have to replace the carpet at that point?

Under this scenario, it seems like it would be better to reduce my asking price for the rental while its still occupied so I can rent it out before it becomes vacant so I wouldn't need to pay to replace the carpet.

Are there any situations or conditions where a landlord should replace the carpet when the tenant is already living there?

Richard C. · Answer

Is the new tenant guaranteed to have furniture and rugs that exactly match those of the current tenant, so that the wear spots will be similarly invisible? That seems unlikely. If the carpet needs replacing, I would replace it.

I don't see why you would reduce the asking price to rent it while it is still occupied. Are you actually trying to hide the wear from the new tenant until he is on the hook for a lease? Not a good idea at all, in my opinion.

If you really just can't afford to replace the carpet, just let tenants see the condition, and price accordingly. And understand that worn carpet is one short step from torn carpet, so you are not going to be able to take it out of the new tenant's security deposit.

Would I need to replace the carpet?

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