Fair Wear and Tear (TAS) Compulsory new carpet after 10 years

I think all of the updates to the TA are reasonable.. Except ONE...

So sometime in the next couple of years my tenants (who will hopefully be staying) will have to remove all of their stuff, so I can lay carpet... Despite the fact they are perfectly happy with their home!

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As a part of the updated Tenancy Act, which came into effect as at August 1, 2015, a set of Minimum Standards have been specified which will be phased in over the next three years. These Minimum Standards regulate conditions and living standards for residential rental properties in Tasmania.

An owner must not enter into, extend or renew a residential tenancy agreement unless the premises:

From 1 August 2016 for all new/renewed/extended lease agreements entered from 1 August 2015 and from 1 August 2018 for all other lease agreements.

• In Good Repair / Fair Wear and Tear – During a Tenancy: this adds the responsibility to the owner to remedy items which are no longer in good repair. As an example, it is reasonable that after 10+ years a carpet ceases to be in good repair and an owner has to take steps to replace them.

 

According to the carpet guy I got a quote from.. My carpet is in very solid condition... As I have mentioned previously it is made in England with horsehair underlay!

Surely this is very discretionary?

 

Wow! Seems a bit arbitrary.

We have lived in our home since 1979 and still have the original carpet in some bedrooms. It is a bit dated but in good condition so we can't be bothered moving furniture to replace it!
Marg

 

Hmm that's a bit rough and unnecessarily imposing. Though to be honest, in a rental, how many 10 year old carpets have you seen?

It's great that you're keeping on top of legislation though. I love reading the updates as they come through (maybe I'm a nerd).

 

It's not saying carpet must be replaced every 10 years, It's just giving an example, If your carpet is worn, frayed, or has holes replace it. If it's 30 yrs old and still in good condition then don't.

 

A good quality axminster will last 30+ years eg. Carpet in the Sydney Opera House is over 40 yrs old and in good nick. Even commercial grade poly carpets may last 10+ years but a cheap twist pile will look poorly after a couple of tenants.

 

10+ as in 10 or more. I wouldn't replace if it's still in good condition and especially if tenants are happy as is.

 

I must use a different language, this does not say you must change carpets every 10 years, it uses an example of something that is worn and could reasonably be requested to be replaced, at ten years.