How Often Should You Replace the Carpet in a Rental
Carpet is a popular flooring option among landlords in rental properties. However, carpets can quickly become worn down over the years, meaning you must replace them. But how do you know when it’s time to replace the carpet in a rental? Today, we’ll discuss the typical carpet lifespan, signs it’s time for replacement, and who’s responsible for the cost.
Contents of This Article:
- The Lifespan of Carpet in Rental Properties
- Signs It’s Time to Replace the Carpet in a Rental
- How to Increase the Life of Your Carpet
- Who Pays to Replace the Carpet in a Rental?
- Take Care of Your Properties With BMG
The Lifespan of Carpet in Rental Properties
On average, the carpet in a rental property will last around 5 to 7 years. However, it ultimately depends on the quality of the carpet, the level of foot traffic, tenant behavior, and more. For instance, a low-quality carpet may only last 1 to 5 years, especially if it’s made from less durable materials. However, a high-quality carpet can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years if properly managed.
As rental managers in Boston, we know firsthand that if tenants don’t properly care for the carpet in a rental property, it won’t last as long. As such, it’s important to encourage regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to extend the life of the carpet. Additionally, you’ll want to carefully decide whether or not you’ll allow pets in your rental properties, as they can contribute to faster wear and tear.
Landlords and rental managers in Boston need to perform periodic inspections to ensure carpets are in good condition. If they’re not–it may be time to replace them. Next, we’ll go over some signs to look for.
Signs It’s Time to Replace the Carpet in a Rental
Replacing the carpet in rental properties is essential for maintaining property value and a pleasant living experience for tenants. As such, you don’t want to ignore the signs of extensive damage or too much wear and tear. Here are some things to look for during your property inspection that may indicate it’s time to replace the carpet.
- Visible Wear and Tear
- Deep Stains and Discoloration
- Unpleasant Odors
- Damage Beyond Repair
- Outdated Appearance
Visible Wear and Tear
There will always be some normal wear and tear in a rental property. However, it’s not hard to see when a carpet is damaged beyond repair. For instance, if the edges of the carpet are coming apart or it’s worn down so much that there are holes–it’s time to replace it. You’ll most likely see the most wear and tear in high-traffic zones like hallways and entryways.
Deep Stains and Discoloration
Another sign it’s time to replace the carpet is if there are stains that you cannot remove despite professional cleaning efforts. These types of stains can result from spills, pet accidents, or just heavy use. Discoloration can also happen over time, whether the carpet has faded from sun exposure, heavy use, or chemical damage.
Unpleasant Odors
The first thing someone will notice about your rental property is how it smells–and nobody wants to live in a rental with unpleasant odors. Usually, these odors are trapped in the carpet, resulting from mold, mildew, or smells from pets. Since these can be difficult to remove, you may need to replace the whole carpet.
Damage Beyond Repair
Some tenants will treat your property respectfully, while others may damage it beyond repair. If there are large rips or tears in the carpeting that you cannot repair, it can lead to further deterioration or tripping hazards. Additionally, if water damage leads to mold underneath the carpet, it’s best to replace it to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
Outdated Appearance
While it’s not an absolute necessity, having a newer carpet can be more appealing to potential tenants. Carpets that are outdated in style or that don’t match the overall aesthetic of the rental unit can turn tenants away. As such, replacing your old, outdated carpet with a new one might be worth it.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Carpet
Taking proper care of the carpet in a rental property can help increase the lifespan. That said, it takes work from you and your tenants to keep a carpet in good shape for as long as possible. Here are some tips to increase the lifespan.
Educate Tenants- Tenants must know how to take care of the carpet. You may want to give instructions on how to clean up spills, remove stains, and avoid excessive wear and tear. Additionally, outline their responsibilities for maintaining cleanliness, like regular vacuuming and reporting any issues promptly.
- Professional Deep Cleaning- Every rental property needs a deep cleaning after a tenant moves out. So, schedule regular professional deep cleanings every 12 to 18 months to remove dirt, stains, and allergens that vacuuming won’t get rid of.
- Regular Vacuuming- Encourage your tenants to vacuum the carpets at least once a week to remove surface dirt and allergens.
- Promptly Address Repairs- If you discover minor issues with a carpet during an inspection or a tenant calls in a maintenance request, it’s important to address them ASAP. For instance, if you notice loose seams or small tears, you’ll want to get to them before they become larger issues.
- Use Carpet Protectors- Using area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and entryways can help reduce direct wear on the carpet. You can also encourage tenants to use felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent indentations and wear on the carpet surface.
Who Pays to Replace the Carpet in a Rental?
Typically, landlords are responsible for replacing the carpet in a rental property. However, there are certain scenarios where a tenant may be held responsible. Here are a few examples.
When a Tenant is Responsible for Carpet Damage
- Accidental Damage- Even if a tenant accidentally damages a carpet, they may still be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement. For example, if they spill bleach or create large tears in the carpet from moving furniture, you may request that they pay to replace it.
- Pet Damage- Pet damage is a major cause of carpet damage. If your tenant has a pet that’s caused urine stains or damage from chewing up the carpet, you may deduct the cost of repairs from their security deposit.
- Neglecting Maintenance- If a tenant neglects to maintain the carpet in their rental, it can cause premature wear or damage, and you can hold them liable for repair or replacement costs. For instance, if they neglect cleaning or leave spills sitting for days on end, it may lead to mold, which means you’ll have to replace the carpet.
Take Care of Your Properties With BMG
Knowing when to replace the carpet in a rental property is crucial for landlords and property managers. After all, nobody wants to live in a rental with a worn, stained, or outdated carpet. As such, it’s important to perform periodic inspections and look for signs of major wear and tear.
If you need help performing inspections, performing maintenance, or finding qualified tenants who will respect your property, Bay Property Management Group can help! Our team of experienced property managers can help you get the best return on your investment. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive rental management services in Boston.