Need advice regarding Tenant Request

[Andrew G.]

I purchased a three unit place a year and three months ago, today the tenant in one unit complained that the carpet in the bedroom was soaked with water from the toilet two years ago and wants the carpet replaced.

She believes its my responsibility, I beg to differ but don't want to say either way till I have a definitive answer. The property is in LA, CA.

[David Turner]

Your responsible for the condition of the property, even if it happened before the property was yours. If there was a problem with it before you bought, then it should have been noticed on your pre-purchase walk through. Carpet needs to be replaced every so often anyway, plus it is cheap. The thing about it is that if it is damaged it is going to need to be replaced whenever the apartment turns over anyway. Might as well suck it up and do it.

You could use the case to your benefit. Tell her you will replace the carpet if she will agree to a slight increase in rental rate. You could also get her to sign a new lease in the process. This way she doesn't see you as a pushover, and you both get a little something in the process.