Am I liable for the full replacement value of a damaged carpet or am I liable for only the depreciated cost?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Am I liable for the full replacement value of a damaged carpet or am I liable for only the depreciated cost?

I rented an apartment for 2 years. During the time I mistakenly bleached the carpet in a couple of spots and I agree I am liable for the carpet. Am I liable to replace the carpet with a new carpet or am I liable for the depreciated value of the old carpet. If it is the depreciated value is there a standard life for a carpet and does the landlord have to tell me the cost and age of when the carpet was installed.

Asked on January 8, 2012 under Real Estate Law, South Carolina

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Under the laws of most states in this country, the landlord is repsonsible for the depreciated costs of the carpet when the tenant moves out assuming that the damage results from ordinary wear and tear.

In your situation, the bleach issue is not not a part of ordinary wear and tear. Under the laws of all states in this country, you would be responsible for the depreciated value of the carpet as opposed to brand new carpet. Possibly a real good carpet installer can simply cut out a portion of the bleached carpet and replace it with a piece that matches so that the landlord does not have to buy a whole new carpet for the unit.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption