iron on the carpet - hole :(

aspire2707

Can i ask my landlord if he is insured agains accidents like this?
If not, what are the rules regarding repaying the damage or replacing?
This is 4 years old carpet and we live here since new.

Innys1

Landlord is probably not insured for losses such as this but there is no harm in asking.

Most carpets have a five year life so it would probably have to be replaced pretty soon anyway. The thing is, the landlord (probably) wouldn't have replaced it until you ended your tenancy, when the property was vacant so this is not news they want to hear.

The answer? Talk to the landlord and see what they say. If you've been there for four years with no other issues, they value you as a tenant and are more likely to be flexible.

G_M

Even if he has insurance, there will probobly be an excess (£50? £100? £200?) which he will want you to pay. As a claim will put up his premium next year, he may also want compensation from you for this.

Bottom line is you are responsible.

'Betterment' as explained by Innys means he cannot make you oay for a brand new carpet in place of an old one. Whether the expected lifespan of the carpet is 5 years, 10, or 15 depends on its quality, & type of tenancy (wear & tear in a student let would be greater than in a studio let to a single professional) etc.

If he claimed it had an expected lifespan of 8 years (nice maths!), he could charge you half the replacement cost.