Kids ruined my carpet and I live in an apartment! - Page 2

[dogmom327]

Originally Posted by ~Megan~

Depends on state law. In Oregon if you have lived in a place in 18 months or more the owners cannot charge the tenants if the carpet needs to be replaced when they move out.

Really? I know of a lot of situations where this wasn't followed. Cool rule though.

[choli]

Originally Posted by llamalluv

For the 89 cent a square foot carpeting that is put into most apartments, 2-3 years is the expected lifespan. Koolaid plus careless tenants is the reason why most landlords don't put quality carpeting in. I just wish someone could explain why they all install oatmeal colored carpet, instead of something dark, though. When I was given the option to select my own carpet color, I picked the darkest they had, and it was still a "toast" color.

Oh yeah. Why is that same carpet in EVERY rental in the US? I was childless when I rented, and still found it really hard to keep it clean. Even with taking our shoes off when in the apartment, it still got SO dirty.

ETA: OK, now I know from other posts why :-) it still sucks though. My biggest thing when we bought our condo was finally having wood floors. My DH used to obsessively vacuum that beige carpet in parallel rows then get really upset when our footprints tracked on it. It really helped our marriage when he didn't do that several times a day.;-)

[boobybunny]

Not sure what the oregon rule is... and I am a landlord. My personal rule... if the place looks better than it would with my three kids living there after 3 years... no problem.

Our last vacancy in the duplex, we had a choice, recarpet (at least 10 years old) or replace with something else. I replaced the with bamboo.. it cost a about 150 bucks more total cost for 900 sqft.. did the kitchen as well... but left the bath.

We also repainted the kitchen cabinets, replaced the stove/ridge, windows and did an on demand hot water heater. Total cost 9K, total credit from the state and utilty companies.. 7K.


If your landlord will replace the carpet, ask for a laminate or bamboo floor option, it really is not that more expensive... especially considering the long term costs.


I might consider it if the tenant was a good one, and they signed a year long lease to get the new flooring. (especially if it was old to begin with)

[Purple*Lotus]

Originally Posted by Amylcd

I would probably hire a company to come clean the carpet.



Not that I know of... but especially not after only 3 years. I don't think your landlord is going to help you out here.

If it's a small area, it should not cost too much to have it professionally cleaned.

: We invested in a cheap carpet cleaner. I think it was $70. I use BioKlean in it and clean our apartment carpets regurally. I know for a fact it can get out a gallon of red koolaid (our kitchen is carpeted )

Originally Posted by llamalluv

For the 89 cent a square foot carpeting that is put into most apartments, 2-3 years is the expected lifespan. Koolaid plus careless tenants is the reason why most landlords don't put quality carpeting in. I just wish someone could explain why they all install oatmeal colored carpet, instead of something dark, though. When I was given the option to select my own carpet color, I picked the darkest they had, and it was still a "toast" color.

Ours is actually a nice speckled blue color Not much better stain wise, but at least it is not an ugly color. I hate that it shows dirt. Because it isn't plush, the dirt just sort of sits on top of it.

[oneKnight]

You need to have the carpet extracted, more than just cleaned. A rental or DIY cleaner won't do it. You can also have it re-stretched if it's got "wrinkles" - anyone who does carpet extracting will be able to re-stretch it too. Unfortunately if you want it done now I see no reason that the landlord should pay for it.

Like the others said, the LL probably will just replace the carpet after you leave so they are not interested in cleaning it.

[Stackmama]

You know what's peculiar is I see a carpet cleaning company here all the time cleaning carpets in apartments but *rarely* ... if ever! See them installing new carpet. Something tells memy carpet was not even new when I moved in. I'm pretty sure they just cleaned it.

I live in an area where hardwood floors are a rare find. I think I'm just going to try to move in August when my lease is up. There goes my deposit but oh well. I just need to get outta here and into a hardwood floor haven!