[ChihuahuaMomma]

I want to move from my apartment due to lack of income. I have been here seven months, I just renewed my lease. My rent did go up. I'm paying TOO MUCH for what I am getting, and honestly can't afford it. My best friend just bought a house and has offered to rent me a room. Either way. The dilemma is this. I was told that if you reside somewhere for 6 months or longer then you are not responsible for RESEASONABLE damage done to the apartment. Does this include ink stains on the carpet? I know that is a stupid question...

And also what is the easiest way to break my lease?

[simoneaugie]

You may have to pay a penalty if you break the lease. "Normal wear and tear" is the term I'm always hearing. Ink stains on the carpet probably won't be considered normal. Can you trim the carpet in those areas and remove the stain that way?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I can try that...

I was hoping that it would be considered normal wear and tear since I have a dog, and she did it. And I have paid pet fees.

[froggy7]

Ink stains, especially in 6 months, aren't considered normal wear and tear. The real difficulty I can see you having is that you just renewed your lease, and if you break it now, the odds are high that you are going to be paying stiff penalties. What is the term of the new lease you signed? 3 months, 6, or 1 year?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

6 months.

[Fr_Chuck]

Smart dog, using an ink container, just messy. I thnk I would start making them use pencils instead.

But you can first merely talk to the landlord and see if they can release you, espif they know you can't afford it. When I was a landlord I often worked with people that would talk to me. Now a lot won't but always worth a chance

[simoneaugie]

A friend of mine's boyfriend moved out. She talked to her landlord, told him that she wouldn't be able to pay what the lease stated because her income was much less than the two of them has signed for. He lowered the rent $100 a month.

Keep in mind that property taxes and the cost of repairs keep going up. That hits your landlord in the wallet.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Haha, yeah they aren't going to lower my rent, that much I KNOW.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

My main question is this: After one year is any damage to the carpet considered wear and tear and I won't be charged for it? This is what I've heard.

[Fr_Chuck]

No, "all" damage is not, if there are specific stains in the carpet that were not from normal walking on it. If it can not be cleaned and acceptable to be reused you can be held liable.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Is that the rule in Georgia or Washington?

People that own young animal generally have a tendency to have stains on their carpets that didn't come from walking. That is the reason that I paid a pet deposit.

I was told that after a year that these wouldn't be an issue, and that the carpets have to be replaced after a year anyway.

[bushg]

Try using oxi-clean on the stain. I used it for burgundy fingernail polish spilled on the carpet.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I have... no luck...

[froggy7]

Is that the rule in Georgia or Washington?

People that own young animal generally have a tendancy to have stains on their carpets that didn't come from walking. That is the reason that I paid a pet deposit.

I was told that after a year that these wouldn't be an issue, and that the carpets have to be replaced after a year anyways.

That's absolutely ridiculous. Carpets often remain in rentals for 5+ years, if not 10 or 15. Good quality carpet will last a long time. Now, you did pay a pet deposit, which should help cover the costs. (Although, to be frank, spilled ink is likely to come out of the regular deposit, since it's not exactly "pet-related".) If there is not enough in the security deposits to cover the damages, you can be sued to cover the remainder.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

That's absolutely ridiculous. Carpets often remain in rentals for 5+ years, if not 10 or 15. Good quality carpet will last a long time. Now, you did pay a pet deposit, which should help cover the costs. (Although, to be frank, spilled ink is likely to come out of the regular deposit, since it's not exactly "pet-related".) If there is not enough in the security deposits to cover the damages, you can be sued to cover the remainder.

This is a 25 year old apartment. I'm sure this carpet has been in here for a while. Although I was told by a previous apartment manager where I used to reside that most rentals in Washington get new carpets yearly. And this is not "good quality carpet" cause I'm always tripping over the lumps in it, either that or it was just not put in very well. And "spilled ink" is not the same as leaking from a broken pen, that sort of implies spilling it from a container. There are differences. I could take pictures of the stains if that would help.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I also want to point out that I cannot be sued for payment unless it's a past due payment.

[PatvNunu]

Can Pool maintenance be considered "utilities" if not specifically stated in the lease?
The original leasing agent told me that the pool maintenance was covered under the maintenance agreement in the lease and would be covered by the owner. Now that the leasing agent I originally dealt with is gone, the new one says since its not specified in the lease that its considered "utilities". I have a witness that was present at the time the agreement was discussed and also my insurance agent discussed the matter with the original agent. The owner will pay to open/close the pool and wants me to pay her "maintenance guy" weekly to maintain the pool. I have three friends with pools who understand the chemicals and a friend who is licensed; all willing to do it for free. Since we have had several 80 degree plus days, the pool stinks and I can't sit out on the deck because of this pool.