Move-out damage negotiations

[Chris Dougherty]

After seven years of living here, I'm relocating. In the next few weeks, the landlord will hit me with what she feels is an appropriate amount for damage.

Assuming she tries to exceed my $1,950 deposit, here is my plan:

-calculate the total sqft of stains on the carpet in relation to total sqft and get a percentage (in decimal form).
-apply percentage to quoted repair cost and offer that amount

Ex: 3sqft of stains in a 200sqft room = 1.5% of damage

Quoted repair of $1500 x 1.5% = $22.50 from me

I don't believe I'm responsible for recarpeting everything for such little damage. Rounding up like that is not in my lease.

The same basic math could be used for abnormal issues with paint, or anything else for that matter.

When you're dealing with a 3200sqft house, splitting the damage from the wear and tear is necessary. Gradual deterioration or aging of anything is not my priority - only stains, scuffs, holes, tears, and excessive damage caused by my fault or negligence.

I realize playing hardball with this landlord my lead us to court, but I'm not worried about the judge telling me it's my job to make sure everything matches.

Any thoughts?

[Ralph S.]

I think Jon's comment is 99% spot on. But his statement

needs to be followed with "normal wear and tear excepted."

Is there any state where this is not included?

Too many tenants try and claim, IMO, damage as normal wear and tear. Simply put, ANY stain on a carpet is simply the result of a tenant not cleaning up after themselves. Wear on a carpet in a doorway caused by foot traffic through the doorway.

I agree with Frank. It's a negotion sometimes, and don't undervalue Jawsettes advice on the value of a good reference, either.

Have you, even once in 7 years had the carpet cleaned? And, I mean all the carpets. Are you planning to clean them now? How about all the windows and window sills? When was the last time you cleaned out under the kitchen sink (and really cleaned)? All the things that were done, and you benefitted from, when you moved in. You've probably got, in my experience, more of a cleaning bill coming from 7 years in that 3,200 SF house.

Instead of figuring out how you're going to argue damages versus wear and tear, why not ask the landlord to pre-inspect and then take care of what you can. Learn what they are looking for and minimize your costs?