[TWrist]

I lived in an apartment in Raleigh, NC for 3.5 years paying around $33,000 in rent. I recently moved and they replaced the carpet due to some pet stains. When I moved in, I paid a $300.00 deposit for a pet and also $150.00 non-refundable deposit. Am I required to pay for the damaged carpet? I feel that my rent of $33,000.00 should cover that easily. I want to do what is right, however, I don't want to be taken advantage of. Does anyone know NC law for this matter?

[rockinmommy]

First, you can find a link to your landlord/tenant laws for NC in the first post in this forum.

Second, see exactly what your lease says about damage, security deposit return, normal wear and tear, etc. Did you sign a separate pet addemdum? What does it say?

As far as the amount of rent you paid or the length of time you paid it... that has nothing whatsoever to do with an issue like this. It's your responsibility to return the unit to the landlord in the condition you found it less normal wear and tear. Pet stains exceed normal wear and tear. What was the condition of the carpet when you moved in? Was it new? In 3.5 years I would expect some traffic patterns to appear and the odd stain here or there - not of a pet nature.

If you feel this is unfair you have the right to take the landlord to court and argue it out there.
Karla

[ScottGem]

I really have to wonder where you get the idea that your rental covers this. As Karla said, you are required to return the premises in the same condition less normal wear and tear. The rent you paid was for occupation of the premises and nothing more.

Now it might be argued that your pet deposit should go toward the carpet, but if the stains were such that it had to be replaced not just cleaned, then any extra cost would be owed by you.

[ScottGem]

But there ISN'T a better solution. Nor does my answer differ that much from Karla's. So how you can say I don't know what I'm talking about is beyond me.

Yes, my answer was a bit condescending. You seem to think that because you paid a large sum in rental over the years that entitles you to something. But the fact of the matter, what you pay in rental is for your use of the premises, NOTHING more. It does not pay for damages to the property. And you were being naïve, at best, to think otherwise.

I don't know what your attorney is telling you, but I think you are being misled. Either that or you haven't told us the full story.

[Emland]

It all boils down to what is written in the lease. How much you paid in rent is irrelevant. You weren't just paying rent for the carpet - you were paying to occupy that space during that time frame.

Try to see if from the landlord's position. Carpet in a rental unit should last 5 to 7 years. Normal wear and tear is expected. However, if your pet had accidents on the carpet that urine or whatever inevitably gets down into the pad and the smell never comes out. That makes the apartment unrentable until the carpet is replaced.

If the carpet was not new when you moved in then a reasonable solution would be to negotiate a prorated amount.