How often do you update paint and carpet?

[Randy Gillespie]

I recently inherited a tenant who has been in the unit for about 6 years. She has asked for new carpet and paint. To my knowledge it has not been updated since she moved in. For your long term tenants, how often would you replace items like paint and carpet? Would you also ask for a rent increase in this situation, particularly if the unit is under market as this one is? Thanks in advance for suggestions.

[JD Martin]

After 6 years some paint (not the whole house) is probably warranted; hallways and entrance ways get chipped up and rough looking. And if it wasn't new when she came in, it might be really rough at this point.

The unit being under market should be a separate issue. That should be increased whether painting is done or not. If it were me I would probably issue notice for the beginning of the next lease of the rent increase, and if the tenant decided to move (likely), use the empty apartment as an opportunity to paint/redo the floors (I wouldn't put carpet back in).