If you like to steam clean the carpet between tenants then you can t charge the prior tenant since you normally clean the carpet anyway.
What is normal wear and tear on carpet.
Light stains which are expected over a period of a few years.
Normal wear and tear vs damaged carpet if the carpet has been in place for 5 years or longer it s the landlord s responsibility to replace it since that is the length of the carpet s useful life.
And in texas the ordinary wear and tear definition is very specific.
Read more on carpet damage.
Carpet that is extremely stained from pets and spills.
The texas property code defines wear and tear as deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition damage however.
Tear in carpet animal stains even if landlord knew you had a pet.
Fist marks and body prints.
Normal wear and tear for a rental property includes.
Fading carpet due to age or exposure to sunlight.
Additionally a tenant may be charged for cleaning where the tenant has caused filth beyond ordinary use.
Typical damages in rentals beyond normal wear.
Signs of damage from negligence or abuse.
Carpeting has a limited lifetime especially if it s a light color.
And the longer a tenant has lived in a place the more wear and tear can be expected.
So what is normal wear and tear for a rental property in texas.
For instance an inordinate amount of pet hair or a urine smell left in the carpet would be.
But if the tenant stained the carpet so badly that normal carpet cleaning doesn t work you can probably charge to replace the carpet or at least the cost to replace the remaining life.
Typically landlords may use a tenant s security deposit for any cleaning or repairs necessary to restore the rental unit to its condition at the beginning of the tenancy landlords may not however use the deposit to cover the costs of ordinary wear and tear.
For example a carpet worn thin due to normal traffic is ordinary wear and tear while a cigarette burn in the carpet is preventable negligence.
Wear and tear is a term commonly used when dealing with rental properties and trying to determine the difference between normal wear and tear and damage to a rental unit often becomes an issue when a tenant moves out and is looking for his security deposit to be returned.
Carpet that is gently worn in high traffic areas or well worn in properties where the carpet is aging.
Why normal wear and tear is important.
Shoe markings in the halls and main walkways.