Wheelchair damage to the carpets

Ohm97

I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice. My partner is a full time powered wheelchair user, it is very heavy and has caused the carpet to bunch up and fray at the edges. It was quickly put in the day before we moved in as when we went to sign the agreement the carpet they had relaid after refurbishment was a state, covered in stains and pulling up at the edges. The only reason they put new carpet down was because we argued that it wouldn’t be suitable for a wheelchair user and we were told everything was being refitted when we paid the deposit so expected new, professionally fitted carpets. But instead we got a rushed job. I understand that in a normal situation this would go beyond wear and tear but does the letting agents knowledge of a wheelchair user moving in and the poor quality of the brand new carpet change things? I’m happy to contribute towards the cost of replacing the carpet but do not want to be stuck with the full bill. I feel myself and the letting agent are equally to blame as I should have been quicker contacting them when we had issues with it bunching and they should have asked us to wait a couple of days to get the carpets fitted properly.

anselld

Are you moving out then?  Has there been any checkout and proposed deductions?  If not, there is not much point trying to second guess how the Landlord will view things. 

greatcrested

Assuming th tenancy is ending, the LL would appear to be justified in deducting an amount from the deposit for damage which is beyond normal wear and tear.

'Betterment' is relevant, but the carpet was new at the start of the tenancy. How long have you been there?

moneysavinghero

If your partner is confined to a wheelchair, you may be able to convince a judge (or the deposit scheme) that what has occurred is normal wear and tear in your circumstances. It's not like he is using the wheelchair for the fun of it, and the LL was fully aware that a wheelchair would be in use from the outset.

theartfullodger

The landlord, knowing there is a disabled tenant with a heavy wheelchair, would expect heavier wear 'n tear, si I think there's nothing to pay.

Just as comparing one single elderly lady (little wear) compared with married couple with 3 young kids & 4 rottweilers you'd expect much less wear with single lady.

Artful: Landlord since 2000

[Deleted User]

If it is a write off, you were required to report to the fault, thereby behaving in a tenant like manner. The amount you would be charged would take into account 'betterment'.

NameUnavailable

If it's mostly 'bunching up' because of the wheels why not get a carpet fitter in to refit it?