Can i ask my tenants to steam clean the carpet?

My property manager recently done a inspection of my IP and sent me pics of the place and the carpet was very filthy.

the lease is coming up for renewal and i would rather keep these tenants as they do not complain about conditions /repairs etc

however looking at the pics im appalled at the carpet which was very clean before they moved in.

so my question is,even if they intend to renew their lease can i still ask them to steam clean the carpet at their expense?

bear in mind i dont want to lose them as tenants for the next 1 year so im weighing up maybe waiting until they move out for their bond BUT the carpet does need cleaning.,mud,coffee stains etc

 

Yes you can ask.
Can't force them to though.

 

But...I think if they wernt going to renew their Lease then i would tell the agent to take it out of their Bond.

On another note I was surprised to see my PM didnt charge me extra for a property inspection.

I remember a few years ago a PM in Wagga charged me extra for a inspection and back then no pics were sent just a inspection list.

 

On what basis?

 

The carpet is not the same as when they moved in eg stains,dirt etc.
surely its their legal obligation to have it the same as when they moved in.??

 

Surely its your responsibility to make repairs.

 

What about wear and tear?
You would not expect it to be the same as it has aged and been used.

See also s19 RTA
RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 2010 - SECT 19 Prohibited terms

 

A carpet is not a repair job.

 

I would breach the tenants and give them notice to clean the carpets within a given timeframe

 

I think the carpet should be "reasonably clean" for an inspection (as well as on exit) ... I don't think mud falls into reasonable wear and tear. Nor should spilt cups of coffee be left on a carpet.

Some minor marking and actual wear needs to be expected though, it is an item that will show signs of having been used and will not look perfect after years of use.

 

Wear and tear aside it's generally taken for granted that tenants clean the carpets (professionally or otherwise) at least before they move out. The tenants before me in this house were made to do it twice (still left the stains though).

 

Jack the rent up to cover one steam clean a year. Your tenants will love you to death for cleaning the carpet each year.

 

Get your PM to order them to do it. Don't get involved yourself.

 

Anyone read the legislation i pointed out above?

 

@Terry_w, We're following the assumption that the carpet is soiled beyond what is considered reasonable wear and tear. More specifically, in a way that is damaging to the carpet and that you would expect a professional clean to be able to rectify.

I definitely think it's reasonable for you to ask them to have the carpet cleaned. There's no way I'd breach them straight away, that's just going to upset them, which isn't very productive if you'd like to keep them on. However, if the condition of the carpet isn't improved and they aren't cooperating then you may consider the option.

 

@Terry_w & @datto - there's a provision for professional cleaning if the LL has allowed pets, does a Cameo dropping a sump full of oil on the carpet count as the mess of the beast?

 

Carrot Give them the offer of a new lease.
Stick ...with a rent increase. 60 days for NSW
Both Win. PROVIDED that they have the carpet steam cleaned , show a receipt etc within the next 14 days. You will permit them to stay on and sign the new lease.
Have done this recently ... had to seriously micro manage the Managing agent though...
I won /they won
I hope this helps

 

I had a bikie living next door to IP. One day I was at their front door. I noticed the Harley parked in the lounge room lol and the oil stain on the carpet! Why are people so unkind to carpet lol.

 

Workshop on the carpet rather than concrete makes for a more comfortable pull apart and rebuild. Plus your paintwork and chrome bits don't get scratched like they would if you worked in the garage or carport.

 

LOL. And I had the gall to mock a tenant for parking his motorbike on the lounge room carpet. How disrespectful can I get?