TENANT DEPOSITS – PART 2

When calculating how much to charge a tenant for damage, a landlord must take into account the age of the component to be repaired or replaced. Logic would tell you that a tenant wouldn’t be responsible for paying for replacement of 20 year old carpet; but when is a tenant responsible for a portion of the cost? In order to determine what percentage should be the tenants, you must first determine the effective life of the component. The best way to do this is to find an unbiased source.  As much as possible, we use HUD guidelines but the Master Builders’ Association also has information that can be used. HUD guidelines say that interior paint should last two years and carpeting should last six years.

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Nothing found herein should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a legal opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of law. You should obtain the advice of an attorney well versed in these matters.