Do I need to pay to have carpet replaced?

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by Mr. Miyagi, 18th Mar, 2016.

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  1. Mr. Miyagi

    Mr. Miyagi Active Member

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    Hi Folks,

    We steam cleaned the carpet, which has made the carpet slightly darker in sections.

    The landlord is asking us to pay to replace the carpet. Is that reasonable?
     

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  2. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Have you now moved out of the property?
    Have you got the entry condition report photo and exit condition report photo?
    How many years old is the carpet?

    Answers to these questions will answer what proportion of the carpet replacement cost you'll pay.

    The tribunal will use depreciation in the same yearly rate as ATO does, then determine what proportion is damaged, to come up with their final figure.

    But for them to ask you of straight / full replacement - no chance.
     
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  3. neK

    neK Well-Known Member

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    As a tenant, this is why I let the property manager arrange for the steam clean.
    There guy does it, it's there responsibility.

    Did u try to diy?
     
  4. JacM

    JacM VIC Buyer's Agent - Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat Business Member

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    Hi @Mr. Miyagi

    When you say "you" steam cleaned it... did you do it yourself or get a professional company in? If it was a professional company, perhaps have them come back and rectify it.
     
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  5. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Yes good point, I assumed he meant himself. But I agree, might be able to ask the company to redo it or fix it.

    Also, if your lease says anything about steam cleaning carpets at the end - cross it out. This is an illegal clause.
     
  6. Mr. Miyagi

    Mr. Miyagi Active Member

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    Have you now moved out of the property?
    Yes

    Have you got the entry condition report photo and exit condition report photo?
    Yes, it was brand new when we moved in. The carpet is now 16 months old.

    Fascinated to learn it's illegal to force the tenants to pay to have them professionally cleaned.

    As to the damage, my sister was testing a new steam cleaner she'd purchased.
     
  7. Mr. Miyagi

    Mr. Miyagi Active Member

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    After vacating, we also paid to have them professionally cleaned.
     
  8. markson

    markson Well-Known Member

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    I am guessing the test didnt go so well by the look of the photos.
     
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  9. Xenia

    Xenia Well-Known Member

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    As a property manager I would be pushing for replacement or at least compensation for my clients to protect their interests.

    If there is a dispute it would be argued at a tribunal where the condition report photos will be used as evidence. I have seen very little of these cases not go through with at least some sort of compensation to the landlord.

    If those stains were there to begin with then the landlord has no recourse.
     
  10. Mr. Miyagi

    Mr. Miyagi Active Member

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    Haha, yes - an expensive mistake.
     
  11. Mr. Miyagi

    Mr. Miyagi Active Member

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    I've got no worries paying some compensation - the replacement has been quoted at $850.

    Is the landlord entitled to the full amount?
     
  12. neK

    neK Well-Known Member

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    Its a bit unfair on the landlord that you used their carpet as a test run. Why didnt your sister test it on her own carpet?
     
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  13. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Obviously not.

    Each side wants the most and least amounts possible, respectively. So its up to you to negotiate.

    The calc I listed above is what the tribunal will defer to if it comes to that.
     
  14. Xenia

    Xenia Well-Known Member

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    If it goes to tribunal the full cost will not likely be awarded.
    However - if I was doing this, I would claim full cost through bond and negotiate it at a hearing.
    $150 to $200 would be a fair compensation.
    The landlord however will be able to claim full replacement cost on landlord insurance.
     
  15. Xenia

    Xenia Well-Known Member

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    Or if you are agreeable to the compensation payment you can offer that and settle now without a hearing. That would save hearing costs so they may be open to it.
     
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  16. sanj

    sanj Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    $150 to $200 to compensate ruining a 1 year old carpet with replacement value of $850 seems pretty low, especially since it was caused by his sister having a go
     
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  17. markson

    markson Well-Known Member

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    And doesnt appear to be wear and tear. Sucks to be a landlord.
     
  18. neK

    neK Well-Known Member

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    Your sister could have at least tested it on a inconspicuous area such as in the corner or under the bed.... Still though, I think your sister should pay the full $850 because she didn't want to damage her carpet. Poor form.
     
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  19. jim1964

    jim1964 1941

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    Can you elaborate on this for me please??
     
  20. Chilliblue

    Chilliblue Well-Known Member

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    Yes it is reasonable so get your own quote for the carpet replacement and arrange payment.