Carpet stains
Question from Jan updated on 22nd February 2013:
Our tenant has admitted dropping food and the carpet in the lounge is quite stained. I only noticed this during our three-month inspection. I am not sure how long it has been like this. I told him he needed to call in an expert and get it cleaned properly. He has since told me that the cleaner he asked said he can't remove the stain. The tenant plans to ask another company. What is my position, should he pay for replacing the carpet? The carpet was only a year old when he moved in. It is 100 % wool and a good quality.
Our expert Diane Nelson responded:
You will need to send the tenant a 14-day notice to remedy and followup with applying to the tribunal to make a decision on responsibility and how much the tenant is liable for – they may not necessarily be liable to pay for the full replacement cost. Insurance may not cover this type of loss but you could inquire to check.
Diane Nelson has over 14 years experience as a property manager in the Northland region. She now owns the REAL Landlord Insurance NZ Ltd brokerage and for over six years has specialised in the Landlord Preferred Policy,for investment owners who have their properties professionally managed. Diane also runs property management consultancy business Passionate about Property Management.Search the Ask an Expert archive
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