Are carpet, paint and cleaning just costs of owning?

[Eric S.]

I put in a new basement carpet a bit over 10 years ago. I have had a couple different tenants since, the last for 6 years. When they moved out the carpet was pretty shot...but it is 10 years old. The entire house (3br) needed to be painted. Last painting was also 10 years ago. I did not paint or have a cleaner before the last tenant moved in 6+ years ago. Can I withhold their deposit and charge them for a new carpet, full interior painting and professional cleaning? Or, are painting, carpet replacement and professional cleaning regular costs that I should absorb after 10 years?

Thanks for the input.

[Jeff Rabinowitz]

You have had a 6 year tenant and you are looking to charge them for carpet and paint which was 4 years old when they moved in? You didn't even clean before they moved in? If I were you I would use a fake name on my profile also and not dare show my face. Shame on you.