Are Landlords Responsible for Carpets?

Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, figuring out who's responsible for repairs can be awkward. When something goes wrong, it sometimes takes longer to figure out who's fixing it than it does to actually fix it! Knowing your role saves you time and stress.

So, who is responsible for the carpet? The short answer is that it depends on what your contract says. In most cases, taking care of a carpet is a shared responsibility, with different aspects falling to each party – as this post will explore…

Furnished vs unfurnished contracts

In a short-term, furnished contract, it's common for the landlord to take on most of the responsibility. In fact, it might be against the rules of the contract to change the carpet.

Are landlords responsible for carpets in unfurnished rentals? Things can be less clear-cut. If there was no carpet in the property when it was rented, this usually means that it's up to the tenant to install and care for carpet.

However, most authorities require landlords to have a usable floor in place, whether this is carpet, tiles or vinyl.

What about damage?

The tenant’s main duty is to keep the carpet clean and be careful with it. Any spillages, burns, or rips typically fall under the tenant's responsibility. Most contracts require a carpet to be in the same condition it was at the start of the tenancy, outside of normal wear and tear.

This means that the landlord is responsible for replacing the carpet if it gets old or worn. Damage caused by faults with the building is up to the landlord to fix, and usually so is damage caused by flooding or fire. If the tenant causes the fire, this may be up for debate.

Infestations are often the landlord’s responsibility, too. Mould is usually up to the tenant to clean, but the landlord is responsible for solving the root cause, if it is damp.

Carpet replacement

If a tenant leaves the carpet in poor condition, the landlord can charge them for repairs. This charge must be proportional to the cost of the repair, and cannot be for reasonable wear and tear. If a stain can be cleaned, they cannot charge for a replacement.

Are landlords responsible for carpet replacement during a tenancy agreement? Tenants in long-term rentals can discuss replacing the carpet with their landlord. Unless the existing carpet is unusable, the landlord will usually ask a tenant to pay for a carpet replacement themselves – if they agree to a replacement at all.

Responsibility for carpet cleaning

Everyday maintenance is up to the tenant. Keeping the carpet clean, dry and free of dust is part of renting a property. Some landlords have inspections and fines if a carpet is not properly taken care of.

Remember that these principles can vary from contract to contract, so read your contract if you are unsure.

Hire a professional carpet cleaner

Whether you’re an owner or renter, a clean carpet is in your best interest. Bringing in a professional cleaner can keep your carpet fresh and lengthen its life. For an accredited, experienced cleaner, choose a National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) member.

We vet and train all members, so you don’t have to spend hours searching for a cleaner you can rely on! Search our directory of trusted carpet cleaners to arrange a quote.