Topic: Changing Tenant Carpet at Lease Renewal

My tenant of 5 years just called and said she spoke to someone who does management and they said with her being there for 5 years, it is the obligation of the management to change the carpet every 4-5 years.

She moved in with a lower rent rate special when we were re-leasing up the place after the 2008 economy disaster.

Her new increase is still 10% under market rate (about $75 per month). I'm not sure what to say.

I have 2 tenants who have been here over 7 years and about 8 others who have been here 5 years. We can't afford to replace everyone's carpet with only 48 units.

Not sure what to say! :(

I had a resident at my last complex who lived there 30 years- with the same carpet. He takes care of it and it still looks fine. He doesn't need or want new carpet.

The law does not require landlords to replace or even provide carpet. I would let them know exactly that. If they say you are obligated to, ask them to provide a copy of the law. Or maybe they want to go live at the place managed by the person they spoke with.

Oh everybody in the world has a friend "in the business" or thinks they know it all. Unless it's specifically stated in your lease or whatever state you're in has a laws specific to this, then it's up to you or whoever makes these decisions in your company. You could also tell her OK, well maybe I'm missing something and your friend could reference the civil code on this issue -- because it's been my experience that this type of comment comes from someone who's been with one company and believes that because their company does it that way then that's how it's done everywhere.