Carpet problems

Our Experts Answer:

At the end of your tenancy you are required to leave the property “reasonably clean and tidy”. If the property manager believes that the carpet is not sufficiently clean she should explain to you what needs to be done to bring the property up to the required standard. You should discuss the issue with your property manager. Perhaps your carpet cleaning company can address the areas that were missed. Also, when the carpet has dried fully any residual smell should be reduced. Wet-cleaning of carpet will often release smells from the carpet, and when it dries the smells often go away.

If you cannot reach an agreement the property manager can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for reimbursement of the costs of either cleaning or replacing the carpet. She will have to show that carpet was damaged during your tenancy, and so “before and after” comparisons will be made. If any carpet needs to be replaced, its age will have some bearing on how much of the cost can be passed on to you. In calculating the cost, the Tenancy Tribunal will apportion the depreciated value of the carpet according to its age.