When you rent an apartment, one of the things that you should check out is the condition of the carpet. Carpet is a fairly popular choice in rental properties. But - ever wonder how often do landlords have to replace carpet in their rentals? Continue reading to learn more!
3 Key Takeaways
In Texas, landlords aren’t legally required to replace carpet after a set number of years unless the condition becomes a health or safety issue.
The average lifespan of carpet ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of material, usage, and maintenance.
If your carpet becomes a safety or health issue, you can formally request a replacement from your landlord.
Are Landlords Legally Required to Replace Carpet?
Let’s set the record straight. Are landlords required to replace the carpet in their rental properties? The answer is that it’s on a case-by-case basis. Generally, landlords are not legally required to change or replace the carpet if the damage is simply due to normal wear and tear.
However, it’s a different scenario if the carpet is considered unsafe. An example is when the carpet flooring is uneven, loose, or has exposed tacks that can cause a trip and fall. Similarly, if the carpet is extremely dusty or has developed mold, it can trigger allergies or more serious health problems. Here, landlords must replace the carpet as part of their responsibility to provide a safe and habitable place for their tenants.
Although landlords are not legally required to, they still change or replace their carpets after some time. Based on our experience as a property manager in Austin, landlords do so to maintain the overall appearance and appeal of their rental properties.
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage
Let’s dig in a little deeper. What does it mean when we say normal carpet wear and tear? And, what is considered damaged carpet flooring? Texas Property Code describes normal wear and tear as the material deterioration caused by its intended usage. So, when it comes to carpets, normal wear and tear appear in the form of fading, minor tears, and dirt due to foot traffic.
Damage is the complete opposite. If the carpet has wide tears, burn marks, or significant staining, it is considered beyond normal wear and tear. Aside from that, damage caused by tenant negligence, accidents, abuse, carelessness, or misuse also falls under this category.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Rental Carpet?
Factors such as the level of foot traffic and the amount of maintenance and care put into it can affect the lifespan of a carpet. The general rule of thumb is that the average lifespan of a carpet ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the materials. Here’s a brief review:
Polyester Carpets (5-8 years): have great stain resistance but tend to wear out faster under heavy traffic.
Polypropylene Carpets (5-7 years): uses synthetic material, making them resistant to mold and mildew.
Nylon Carpets (12-15 years): one of the most durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Wool Carpets (10-15 years): durable luxury material known for being naturally stain and soil-resistant.
Can You Request a Carpet Replacement?
Let’s say that you’ve lived in your apartment for a couple of years, and over time, you’ve noticed that some parts have been significantly worn out. On top of that, you can see some nails sticking out. Can you request a carpet replacement from your landlord?
The answer is yes. At this point, the damage to your carpet can be considered a health hazard. Replacing the carpet falls under the landlord’s responsibility under the implied warranty of habitability.
But what if you want to replace your carpet just to update it or change it to your liking? You can still ask your landlord, but just know, the landlord can and may deny your request.
Now, if you want to formally request a carpet replacement, you need to send a written notice to your landlord. This letter states that you want to change or replace your carpet flooring and should include an explanation as to why and proof supporting the need for replacement. Once you send your request letter via certified mail, your landlord is given a reasonable time to address your request.
What If the Landlord Refuses to Replace It?
But, what do you do if your landlord refuses to replace your damaged carpet flooring? If your landlord refuses to replace unsafe carpet flooring, you can opt to “repair and deduct” the replacement cost as indicated in Texas Property Code 92.052 to 92.061. However, keep in mind that you can only do this if you went through the process of sending your first and second request notices.
You must also wait for a reasonable time for your landlord to remedy the situation. Generally, a reasonable time is around 7 days. However, this also depends on the severity of the problem as well as the availability of materials and labor.
How Stone Oak Property Management Can Help
While landlords aren’t generally required by law to replace worn-out carpet flooring, it’s a different case when the carpet issue affects your health and safety. So, knowing under what circumstances landlords replace the carpet in their rental properties and how often is essential to navigate such situations. Whether you need to replace your carpet due to mold or simply want to change it to fit your preference, it’s important that you know how to properly request carpet replacement from your landlord.
We at Stone Oak Property Management are ready to help you find your ideal rental. We have more than 20 years of industry experience, bringing tenants and landlords together. Come and connect with us to find out more!
