Asking for replacement carpet in rented property.

jojo_2012_2

Hi all!

I hate making long posts, to cut a long story short my carpet is wearing away from the walls and looking awful and my landlord has refused to replace it. Read on if you specifics and pictures...

I've been renting my house for near enough 5 years it was originally a 12month AST and we go through a letting agent. I've never missed a rent payment.

The carpet in the living room was far from new when we moved in, and was always poorly fitted although you couldn't tell from at first glance, it wasn't unsightly IYKWIM you could just tell it wasn't put in to a high standard.

Anyway, originally the divider between the living room and kitchen came off. I had to tell the letting agents on 3 separate inspection dates about but didn't make a big deal about them ignoring it until after I had my new baby and tripped over it a few times. I also mentioned that the carpet was now coming away from the walls quite a bit. As it was getting old and I have 2 children and 2 cats would they consider replacing it with new carpet or preferably laminate so it's easier to manage (at present it's an awful colour that shows up every little speck).

I got an email back saying the landlord did not want to pay for a new carpet but would replace the divider if it was hazardous. A man came and replace the divider which was originally wooden and 3-4 inches wide with an inch wide metal one that highlights the carpet coming away even more.

So what I want to know is, does the landlord have a responsibility to replace the carpet if it gets this bad? I don't want to cause trouble but the appearance of the carpet is awful and I pay £775 a month to live here and I don't want to have people over because of it. Here's some pictures from the day it was done which is why it looks a bit mucky...

BitterAndTwisted

No, your landlord does not have to replace the carpet regardless of how many kids or cats you have. Why not suggest a compromise if you're that desperate, like you contributing something towards it?

G_M

There is no obligation on the LL to replace or renew. You can ask, he can say no.

Ensure you report the poor condition IN WRITING (and use the terms "normal wear and tear") just to protect your deposit at the end of the tenany.

If the property is in general poor condition, then consider the rent you pay and the rent for similar properties in the area.


If you think better properties are available for the same rent locally, then either

1) negotiate your rent downwards with the landlord by showing him examples or

2) move

jojo_2012_2

Thanks guys.

It's only that carpet that's in poor condition but it's the living room so a big deal for me. I will let my landlord know I will not be renewing in September and the reason why. Maybe the fact that she will more than likely have to replace the carpet for a new tenant might make her change her mind, worth a shot.

Turnbull2000

Landlords generally seek to spend the absolute minimum on property maintainance and decoration, so the chances of getting a new carpet are slim. If the standard of the interior is of concern to you, buying is the only real alternative.

BitterAndTwisted

I'd try negotiation first. Moving is time-consuming and expensive.

dimbo61

Dont know how big the rest of the property is or your location and local rental market but do you want to move ?
Redirect mail, new gas/electric bills TV licence etc
Could you have a new carpet fitted yourself and put the old carpet in the loft to refit when you do have to move out !!

tbs624

jojo_2012 wrote: »

I got an email back saying the landlord did not want to pay for a new carpet but would replace the divider if it was hazardous. A man came and replace the divider which was originally wooden and 3-4 inches wide with an inch wide metal one that highlights the carpet coming away even more.

Has the LL seen the resulting work - have you for instance passed on these photos? You need to tell him in writing that a trip hazard remains so can he please arrange for a wider edge strip to be put in across the doorway ( keep a copy of all letters) Ask too whether the handyman can fix some form of, say, quarter beading at the foot of the skirtings to secure the carpet edges. Note that trip hazards are highlighted under one of the 29 hazards under HHSRS ( Housing Health and Safety Rating System)

Thedaft thing is that doing both of those will probably cost not much less than getting a replacement standard el cheapo rental carpet. LL does of course have the opportunity of a 10% tax allowance against depreciation of carpets/ furnishings etc ........

jojo_2012_2

tbs624 wrote: »

Has the LL seen the resulting work - have you for instance passed on these photos? You need to tell him in writing that a trip hazard remains so can he please arrange for a wider edge strip to be put in across the doorway ( keep a copy of all letters) Ask too whether the handyman can fix some form of, say, quarter beading at the foot of the skirtings to secure the carpet edges. Note that trip hazards are highlighted under one of the 29 hazards under HHSRS ( Housing Health and Safety Rating System)

Thedaft thing is that doing both of those will probably cost not much less than getting a replacement standard el cheapo rental carpet. LL does of course have the opportunity of a 10% tax allowance against depreciation of carpets/ furnishings etc ........

Thanks. Should I write directly to the landlord or through an agent?

BitterAndTwisted

The landlord is the decision-maker, the agent is just the organ-grinder's monkey.

[Deleted User]

I don't know if u have other issues with the property but its not an enormous job to lay laminate yourself.., I've done it several times. Buy it in sales.., Wickes seem to have constant discount offers but obviously there are other DIY and flooring stores.

If the LL won't do it themselves or contribute u'll have to weigh it up and consider if its worth doing it and paying for it yourself or if you are better off moving (i.e. think of the cost of hiring a van, help, hassle of packing, paying for admin fees and credit checks, finding another month's rent and deposit in advance, whether properties are easily available etc).