I am moving out of my apartment after having lived here for seven years. It is a bit of a strange situation. The apartment itself is a refurbished basement in an old Victorian house. My landlord lives in the house above me.

Recently I have discovered that he is foreclosing on the house. This doesn't really make a difference in my decision, but it does mean that things have been a bit weird. When he approached me about the foreclosure last month, he informed me that if I leave before he walks away from the house, he is going to sue me for damages.

The particular item he sited was the carpet, which I feel is in expected condition after living here for seven years. The only repair that my landlord has taken care of in all this time was when my hot water heater exploded four years ago. I have been searching the internet, and have at least found that he can't charge me for the carpet, but I haven't been able to find any other information about what is considered standard wear and tear.

I am extremely concerned about this, as I am currently struggling with bills to begin with, and I have no idea how much he could actually try to get me for. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

After 7 years the carpet can't be expected to remain "as new" the place WILL be expected to need repainted... holes in the walls... burns on the floor etc... are not considered normal wear and tear. You may be expected to clean the place... meaning they don't have a hire a dumpster and crew to all off a truckload of crap you left behind.

In effect... they can expect it to be able to be re-rented after cleaning the carpets and repainting, and little more.

Do you have a lease? If so, when does it expire?

I believe this guy is desperate for any money he can walk away with from this property. He doesn't
Have to replace the carpet he's losing the house.Do you have any move in checklists or pictures showing any
Defects when you moved in? Does he have the right to legally rent the space?Has he given you proper notice
I think you might have rights concerning ownership change and the possibility of being evicted.If he is still collecting rent but has not advised his finance co. that your still renting the space he might get into some legal issues. Check it out