Tenant unhappy with carpet (agreement, landlord, profit, paying)

[MaseMan]

I guess I think it's funny that a renter would expect pristine carpets in a rental house. It sounds like it's really not that bad and she's just a very picky person.

[chica_bella813]

Originally Posted by MaseMan

I guess I think it's funny that a renter would expect pristine carpets in a rental house. It sounds like it's really not that bad and she's just a very picky person.

My sentiments exactly. Believe me the carpet doesn't look bad, i have video taped after it was professionally cleaned,prior to the move in. You are correct that she is expecting pristine carpeting. Renting a house versus renting an apartment is different to me. My tenants in the past have been more responsible and handling issues in the past without complaining about things.

My main issue is when she had the expectation that after living there for 1 month and breaking the lease if she does so, that she expects the entire deposit back. Absolutely not. I would like her to move so i can sell. I explained i want a happy tenant in my home, if she is not happy then I over look her breaking the lease early and if she lives there for 6 months i will pro rate and give her six months worth, I do not have to do that. I could keep it all. Bottom line is those are the 2 options, either she moves or I replace carpet. I will replace carpet but not now. Which she is aware of. I think she also has admitted that she is in over her head, the cost I charge is average for a home in the area, but she has been used to paying less and compounded with the fact that her family can't find a job to contribute adds to her stress.

I am not calloused with her and saying thats not my fault. That is one of the reasons I did the abnormal with her that I have not done in the past with other tenants. She realized in conversation about the security deposit, she stated she is willing to use 1/2 of it to replace carpet instead of just getting half. So that is admittance right there. I think she got caught in a situation that was over her head trying to make a better life for her family.

I think the best bet is getting something clean and cheap and then leave it at that. This is the first time I have run into someone expecting pristine carpeting or pristine anything. If we continue down this path then I will give her notice and ask her to move because I can forsee this being cumbersome and I do not have time for that plus I want to sell. Now if i break the lease and terminate early then I would remit the full deposit. I think that is the right thing. I read someone's post early saying being a landlord is easy, not so. I have dealt with property managers as well but you can run into issues with that as well.

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by MaseMan

I guess I think it's funny that a renter would expect pristine carpets in a rental house. It sounds like it's really not that bad and she's just a very picky person.

I also think it's funny that a landlord would expect a tenant to live with cat **** laden carpet.

[chica_bella813]

Originally Posted by Kim in FL

I also think it's funny that a landlord would expect a tenant to live with cat **** laden carpet.

Yes Kim I find that hilarious

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by chica_bella813

Yes Kim I find that hilarious

Sadly your tenant who is living with the nasty carpet, doesn't find this funny at all.

[sware2cod]

The $400 fee for tenant to switch utilities to her name. Most of the fee is a deposite, right?

Your fee to take it out of your name would be minimal, right? And if you had to put it back into your name in a few months is also minimal, right? Less any deposit that is fully refundable.

[chica_bella813]

Originally Posted by Kim in FL

Sadly your tenant who is living with the nasty carpet, doesn't find this funny at all.

Sadly kim you were not able to read through the sarcasm in that post.

[chica_bella813]

Originally Posted by sware2cod

The $400 fee for tenant to switch utilities to her name. Most of the fee is a deposite, right?

Your fee to take it out of your name would be minimal, right? And if you had to put it back into your name in a few months is also minimal, right? Less any deposit that is fully refundable.

No it wasnt a deposit and it wasnt refundable. I have a plan and its working out as we speak

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by chica_bella813

Sadly kim you were not able to read through the sarcasm in that post.

Hi, Pot this is Kettle.

[JanND]

Originally Posted by chica_bella813

I agree with you 100%. IF I am not able to work this out with her, then I will encourage her to move. I am looking into replacing carpet or getting laminate and getting the cabinets, she can still pay for that. But if we don't come to resolve on this, than yes I will keep my business hat on. I was just very shocked when she thought she could tell me she is considering moving and finds it unacceptable to not receive her deposit. that is what the deposit is for to give you some recourse when a tenant breaks a lease. She is a great person, but I think there are internal situations financially she didnt expect and renting the home is more than renting a one bedroom. Bottom line it will work out. Will keep ya posted

I am not trying to hurt your feelings, I empathize w/ the situation you've allowed because of friendship. But, She has made it purely business w/ her demands and threats.
I think you've made a bad decision renting to this person. You say she wants to buy your property but cannot get a loan...she didn't even have the funds for a utility deposit. She wants new carpet asap, although she knew going in that was not your short term plan. She wants new cupboards...Have I missed anything. Your profit is going out the window.

I would read your lease, and go by that as the letter of the law w/ this person. What she wants is to own your home, but w/out any resources to do so. She wants you to make improvements at your expense. I am concerned that you are allowing to much leverage w/ this person and you will deeply regret it, if not already. Put your home on the market....or get you LL hat on full time regarding this situation.

You mentioned in an earlier post about family members that live there with her and aren't working?? If there is a multiple family situation in your rental home I hope that you are taking that into account....utilities in your name, new carpet and remodeling demanded...What about the hike in utilities you're responsible for...does she get your bill at the home address?? What about wear and tear on your property??

In an earlier post you say you and she have agreed that she can use half the security deposit to pay for part of the carpet expense, this is very foolish...What you are doing is shooting yourself in the foot.

If it were me, I would do what another poster suggested....increase your deposit if you are installing new carpet that you were not intending to do at this point. She has been there what a month???, don't take your money out of your own pocket allowing her to consider using the security deposit to pay for part of the carpeting.....This is not a bargaining tool for the renter, you are giving all your authority to the renter.
You may need to get a rental management involved...You are not able to compartmentalize because you are too close to this renter. I do not mean to sound harsh, honestly...But she is and is demonstrating that she will take advantage of you totally.