Carpet damaged before move in, tenants now being charged

[jscardino]

I moved into an apartment with two other people and upon moving in, the carpet in the living and dining areas had large black stains. These stains extended from the back
door to the front door of the apartment, almost as if someone carried a leaking item out the door. We contacted the office on numerous occations regarding the carpets' condition, but never received any response from the leasing office. We spilled candle wax on the carpet in the dining area while living there, and now the office is billing us for replacing the carpet. I have a copy of the letter I sent to complain about the stains and also a copy of our move-in damage report. Are we obligated to pay this bill?

 

[Tracey]

How much of the carpet damage is due to the candle wax and how much is due to the stain? How much is normal wear and tear form the carpet being X years old? How large is the carpet? If you hadn't spilled the wax, would they still have had to replace the carpet? (If yes, then they aren't changing the carpet because of your actions and can't charge you for the entire carpet.) A diminution in value fee may be more appropriate ($25-50).

You should only be held liable for the % of damage you caused. You probably cannot be held liable for normal wear and tear. (In WA, you can't even be held liable for the cost of cleaning the carpet every year as this is not "damage.")

Talk to your landlord and ask them to show you how they figured out what to charge you. If you make it clear that you know they can only charge for the wax, they will probably back down.

-- a WA landlord

[This message has been edited by Tracey (edited March 30, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Tracey (edited March 30, 2000).]