In a previous article, we discussed things to look for when considering a new residence. For instance, the age and condition of the carpet are important factors, because they affect when the carpet needs to be replaced. A detailed consideration of the carpet lets you plan for future expense.
Keep in mind, however, that the condition of the home you are leaving is just as important as where you plan to move in. Preserving any cleaning deposits or adhering to a sales agreement about the condition of a home can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. A security deposit can be up to two times the price of rent, or three times the price if the residence is furnished. For a commercial property, there is no deposit restriction at all – that could be a hefty sum! Renters should do their best to make sure they get as much of that money back as possible, and this is where Preferred Carpet Care of Redding can help.
Who Cleans the Carpet?
Basically, a tenant must leave the carpet in as close to its original state as when they moved in. A landlord is responsible for cleaning the carpet after the tenant leaves, but can charge for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Tenants who take care of that damage themselves often save some deposit money in the process.
Some landlords, however, include a special addition to the lease agreement stating that the tenant will be responsible for carpet cleaning upon leaving. If that’s in the signed agreement, then nothing less than a professional carpet cleaning will do. Renting a DIY carpet cleaning machine is often considered insufficient. If the tenant does so, and even provides the landlord with a receipt, the landlord can still withhold money to hire their own cleaning service. Proving that the withheld amount is justifiable typically requires legal action, costing more of the tenant’s time and money. If the tenant signs to be responsible for the carpet upon leaving, its best to avoid cutting corners and call Preferred Carpet Care to clean the carpet.
Older Rental Carpet
If the carpet is older and nearing the time when it needs replacement, the age of the carpet is pro-rated against its average life. The landlord and potential tenant need to discuss the issue carefully to determine how many years the carpet has left, and the proper course of action when reaching that time. California rental laws say that a carpet’s useful live span is ten years. The landlord is responsible for replacing the carpet at that time, and should not charge the tenant or withhold money for the procedure unless the carpet is damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
Work Things Out Beforehand
If you are moving out and your rental agreement includes carpet care, make sure to discuss the issue with your landlord to determine expectations. Then call Preferred Carpet Care to professionally clean the carpet so you can get your security deposit back.
If you are a landlord, keep Preferred Carpet Care in your contacts list. We professionally clean many rentals, extending the life of the carpet. We can also inspect stains or discolorations to determine if it’s beyond normal wear and tear. Moving out brings complications and stress. Preferred Carpet Care makes sure that the carpet isn’t one of them.