How long does a carpet last?

BlueSkyPlease

In a tenancy, how long would you expect an average carpet to last before it would be replaced?
I have a situation where the carpet is 9 years old. It's a fairly average standard carpet, nothing fancy. Current tenant has been in property for 7.5 years and kept the property in good shape. Over time a few stains have appeared on the carpet caused by workmen. It's past the point where the workmen could be held responsible for the stains. Who would you say is responsible for paying for a new carpet in this situation?

pmlindyloo

Have the tenants asked for a new carpet?

Have the tenants been responsible for any of the stains? (Your workmen only? Have you tried to clean the carpet if it was your workmen that stained it?)

Is it showing signs of wear and tear?

AdrianC

A decade-old "average" carpet owes you nothing. It's due for replacing.

tom9980

BlueSkyPlease wrote: »

In a tenancy, how long would you expect an average carpet to last before it would be replaced?
I have a situation where the carpet is 9 years old. It's a fairly average standard carpet, nothing fancy. Current tenant has been in property for 7.5 years and kept the property in good shape. Over time a few stains have appeared on the carpet caused by workmen. It's past the point where the workmen could be held responsible for the stains. Who would you say is responsible for paying for a new carpet in this situation?

The Landlord is responsible.

AlexMac

BlueSkyPlease wrote: »

In a tenancy, how long would you expect an average carpet to last before it would be replaced?

7-10 years depending on quality..

BlueSkyPlease wrote: »

....the carpet is 9 years old. It's a fairly average standard carpet, nothing fancy.... Who would you say is responsible for paying for a new carpet in this situation?

The landlord. And assuming it will cost £100-£200 max ,after 20% tax relief, that's about £10-£20 a year. Worth pushing the boat out to keep a good tenant, especially as you've saved stacks through no voids or retenanting fees?

[Deleted User]

A lot does depend on the type and quality of carpet. But after 9 years a LL should have built into their budget near replacement of a carpet. Particularly if the tenant is otherwise a careful tenant and stains are caused by work people.

If you went to deposit disputes, after 7.5 years, there wouldn't be much deducted from the deposit even if it was tenant damage. If it is in too bad a state, replacing it rather than getting into arguments with a tenant could stop you paying fees to replace a peeved tenant. Replacing the carpet could keep them there forever because they know they have a good LL.

In future it might be a good idea to cover the carpet before work is done if the work is going to involve mess of some sort.

BlueSkyPlease

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Have the tenants asked for a new carpet?
Have the tenants been responsible for any of the stains? (Your workmen only? Have you tried to clean the carpet if it was your workmen that stained it?)
Is it showing signs of wear and tear?

No. They have just moved out. They say workmen caused the stains. No proof either way though I know workmen were in.Two stains and a small patchy part where the pile has gone

AdrianC

If you were to try to claim against their deposit, and the arbitration got involved, they'd allow you the remaining value of the carpet. And that's three quarters of nowt.

Rodders53

It's a "how long is a piece of string" question. How much was the carpet when fitted? You'll have the receipt, no doubt.

From a "reasonable tenant's" perspective this thread is worth a read https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5426841

ianthy

Generally I refurb our properties every 7-8 years and I expect to replace the carpets at that time. If you have managed 9 years then it’s fair wear and tear.

need_an_answer

I would say that if you are thinking you couldn't blame a workman for the state of a carpet and successfully win the case...its probably difficult to then pin it on the tenant too.

I'm reading the post as if you are the LL and wanting to know who you can charge...my thought is it is the responsibility of the LL to change the carpet as and when they feel it has run its lifespan.The payment of that should come under your responsibility