Tenant move out issues

[Nate Burnett]

Hey all,

Small time landlord, one duplex and we have a rental unit.

Tenants moved out, very passive aggressive the entire last month after we gave notice, and they cleaned the carpets the day of move out. When we went in to get the keys, all the windows were open, tenant tries and gets us to sign a document saying they get their deposit back in full. We refuse as you know... that's not a thing, not able to fully inspect the unit.

Almost as soon as they leave and windows are shut, we notice a "wet dog" smell. During the day when it is warm it is more evident.

So we get a quote from Stanley Steemer, let them know we will be having them professionally deodorized. Tenant wants to get back in to the property to inspect for herself, though with the attitude she had she's not easy to deal with. I gave her an opportunity, heard no response so I cancelled it. It would delay me working to replace the kitchen and bathroom, and on top of that, we're not required to do so.

I let the former tenant know and she's saying things like "we don't know if you dog has been down there, you should have ventilated the unit so the carpets could dry" and so on.

Anyone deal with small claims here in NH? It seems like such a petty amount but she'll try for the ~$200.

Carpets were installed before they moved in. So at ~7 years of useful life that's about 70% of value... what happens if I charge them $200 for deodorizing and then decide to replace the floors? Any recourse or am I free to not deodorize and just rip them out? 

[Nicole A.]

I get it. Don't bend to idle threats. But the carpet is indeed old, so just replace it with something that's not carpet...such as laminate. Laminates look fantastic, are easy to clean, affordable, and water resistant. Go for it!

And minimize your communication with the tenant. Send back whatever portion of the deposit is due within the parameters of the law. Any deductions for other repairs, list them along with the check.