Need Help!
I have owned a duplex for 4.5 years and my original tenants are moving out. During the time that they have been there they have significantly stained the carpets and there was an incident where a few burn marks occured in the linoleum in the kitchen. The carpet and linoleum were both pretty old when they moved in. The linoleum had a wear mark in one of the door ways and the carpet was old but clean. Both now need to be replaced. My question is what is considered "normal wear and tear"? If the linoleum was old and should be replaced but they caused extra damage to it then should they pay for some of that damage? Surely burning vinal is not normal wear and tear. Also, the carpet needs to be replaced now, but has a lot of stains caused by them. Should I get a bid of how much it would cost to have them cleaned and just deduct that from the deposit? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks
Dustin
personally, I would let the linoleum go, and hold back on the security for the carpet.
On the other hand if the have been good tenants for 4+ yrs. is it worth it?
fpena and goldenchild,thank you for your replies. Your advice was very helpful.