Stained carpet - Tenant Responsible?

[Jeremiah Williams]

My first tenant in my first rental moved out today after 3 years. Generally speaking, the inside of the house is pretty filthy. There was little to no effort put into cleaning before they were out, so we’ve got some work to do before we list the property for rent again.

I realize that we can’t take money out of their deposit due to lack of cleaning. However, the condition of the carpet in the bedrooms is well beyond “wear and tear”. There are significant stains, mostly just dark spots but some areas appear to have paint on them, and I’m not sure they are salvageable. They will either need the attention of a professional carpet cleaner or possibly replaced altogether.

The question I have is: Would I have the right the use the tenant’s deposit to pay for the cleaning or replacement?

 

[Colleen F.]

@Jeremiah Williams Yes.   you can charge them for cleaning.  Useful life of carpet is 7 years so for replacement you would need to do the % damaged x useful life left.    I would clean them and charge for cleaning. Show it on your deductions from the deposit returned per local law.