Long term tenant wants carpet cleaned

[Andrew S.]

An inherited long term (6 years in the apartment, 1 month under my ownership) tenant has asked if I have a carpet cleaner.  I don't have a carpet cleaner so I told them that.  I could rent one and clean their carpet or pay a professional cleaning service.  They're on a month-month lease and "don't plan to move out anytime soon".  Is it worth me offering to pay for or split the cost of a rental carpet cleaner or professional cleaning surface? 

Thanks.

[JD Martin]

I don't have any carpets in any of my units, but if/when I did the only carpet cleaning that was happening with me paying was between tenants. The tenant is responsible for keeping the carpets cleaned. Worn out is another story - carpets will wear out from people walking on them, vacuuming, etc, but a dirty carpet is the tenant's responsibility. 

The apartment buildings in my area all inspect the units yearly and charge the tenants for professional carpet cleaning if they find the carpets soiled (not worn). Most tenants rent carpet machines and clean the carpets themselves before the inspections.