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Recently my roommate and I signed a lease on an apartment in Washington. When we walked through the apartment for the first time it was when the last tenants were still living in it, we saw that there were a few stains on the carpet, and were told by the LL that they would be professionally cleaned.
After the tenants moved out and the carpets were professionally cleaned, we were given the keys. (we don't think the LL saw the carpets after they were cleaned) Once we saw the carpets without all of the furniture they had, we saw there were many obvious urine stains (they had a dog, and there was an odor after the cleaning even) on the carpet. We are delaying moving into the apartment until we can get in the LL into the apartment to see it. We have a small cat who hasn't had any issues with her litter box, but we don't want that to change because of the other pet urine in the apartment.
We have already signed the lease, and want to stay in the unit long term. What is the usual protocol for this? We were able to get in touch with the LL and he said he would take a look at it, and also gave us the option of tearing up the lease, which I see as a bad sign.
What is the usual protocol for this? We were able to get in touch with the LL and he said he would take a look at it, and also gave us the option of tearing up the lease, which I see as a bad sign.
Any insight?
I think your first impression is a good one. I would really be concern if the LL is willing to just let you out of the lease without verifying that the carpet is or isn't in need of attention. You would think that being informed of issues, they would want to see how bad, and if they missed anything else.
I think it is smart you are addressing this now...
The ball is in the owner's court.
What you describe does happen... I had it a couple of years ago and the solution was to treat and seal the hardwood and install new pad and carpet in the affected bedroom.
Previous tenant was "Babysitting" a family dog for several weeks and locked the dog in the spare bedroom while she was at work...
Recently my roommate and I signed a lease on an apartment in Washington. When we walked through the apartment for the first time it was when the last tenants were still living in it, we saw that there were a few stains on the carpet, and were told by the LL that they would be professionally cleaned.
After the tenants moved out and the carpets were professionally cleaned, we were given the keys. (we don't think the LL saw the carpets after they were cleaned) Once we saw the carpets without all of the furniture they had, we saw there were many obvious urine stains (they had a dog, and there was an odor after the cleaning even) on the carpet. We are delaying moving into the apartment until we can get in the LL into the apartment to see it. We have a small cat who hasn't had any issues with her litter box, but we don't want that to change because of the other pet urine in the apartment.
We have already signed the lease, and want to stay in the unit long term. What is the usual protocol for this? We were able to get in touch with the LL and he said he would take a look at it, and also gave us the option of tearing up the lease, which I see as a bad sign.
Any insight?
Yep, this LL doesn't sound like the type that will fix, or replace that carpet....the market is probably in his favor. Renters must be a dime a dozen, and no need to try to smooze them w/ empty promises, like a really clean carpet. I would keep looking, especially since you are looking for a long term rental. You want to be treated well and be happy in your surroundings.
TAKE A TON OF PICTURES before you bring all your stuff. That way, when you move out and the LL blames your cat or the stains, you can show him the pictures and say "pre-existing damage!"
I was apt hunting lately for my very 1st apt...I plan/hope to move this summer. I wouldn't sign anything until I've seen the place AFTER any previous renter has moved out & I can see EVERYTHING from ceiling to the floor in which I'll have my camera.
I even thought that maybe it would be a good idea to purchase a BLACKLIGHT...those special lights that show any kind of bodily fluid stains on carpets, walls, etc. Does anyone know how much those things run? Doesn't it have to be pretty dark in the room for the blacklight to show anything? So, I don't kow how well that will work when apt leasing offices close in the late day when it's still light outside.
Last edited by Forever Blue; 03-06-2012 at 08:27 PM..
Don't move in. Period.
Once you do, you will not win.
Go to see the landlord in person. Whatever he says, get it in writing.
Unless and until he removes the old carpet and pad, disinfects and deodorizes the floors and baseboards, and installs brand new carpet and pad - don't move in.
And if it was a dog's home before, you will not have a happy cat. This will cause permanent psychological damage to your little one.
Recently my roommate and I signed a lease on an apartment in Washington. When we walked through the apartment for the first time it was when the last tenants were still living in it, we saw that there were a few stains on the carpet, and were told by the LL that they would be professionally cleaned.
After the tenants moved out and the carpets were professionally cleaned, we were given the keys. (we don't think the LL saw the carpets after they were cleaned) Once we saw the carpets without all of the furniture they had, we saw there were many obvious urine stains (they had a dog, and there was an odor after the cleaning even) on the carpet. We are delaying moving into the apartment until we can get in the LL into the apartment to see it. We have a small cat who hasn't had any issues with her litter box, but we don't want that to change because of the other pet urine in the apartment.
We have already signed the lease, and want to stay in the unit long term. What is the usual protocol for this? We were able to get in touch with the LL and he said he would take a look at it, and also gave us the option of tearing up the lease, which I see as a bad sign.
Any insight?
Take the landlord up on his offer and keep looking. Especially if the stains smell and can't be covered up by your furniture.
Recently my roommate and I signed a lease on an apartment in Washington. When we walked through the apartment for the first time it was when the last tenants were still living in it, we saw that there were a few stains on the carpet, and were told by the LL that they would be professionally cleaned.
After the tenants moved out and the carpets were professionally cleaned, we were given the keys. (we don't think the LL saw the carpets after they were cleaned) Once we saw the carpets without all of the furniture they had, we saw there were many obvious urine stains (they had a dog, and there was an odor after the cleaning even) on the carpet. We are delaying moving into the apartment until we can get in the LL into the apartment to see it. We have a small cat who hasn't had any issues with her litter box, but we don't want that to change because of the other pet urine in the apartment.
We have already signed the lease, and want to stay in the unit long term. What is the usual protocol for this? We were able to get in touch with the LL and he said he would take a look at it, and also gave us the option of tearing up the lease, which I see as a bad sign.
Any insight?
You are fortunate that the landlord is willing to let you out of the lease, since you inspected the place before signing the lease. If you really want the place, you might consider negotiating with the landlord to replace the carpet and pad in exchange for a slightly higher rent. Maybe even agree to a 2 year lease in addition. Look for a win-win situation for both of you.
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