Chapel Hill, NC asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for New Jersey

Q: Landlord is claiming I owe them to replace a hallway carpet 2 months after we moved out.

They sent me an email detailing a charge to replace the entire hallway (~1000 sq ft) carpet 2 months after we moved out because my dog had an accident in one are 6 months ago and the smell was supposedly unable to be removed. Am I legally required to pay for the full replacement cost?

1 Lawyer Answer
Marcel Wurms
Marcel Wurms
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Lodi, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: If they can prove that you caused damage to the carpet, then you are responsible for the damage. I would challenge them that they couldn't get the smell out. Also determine the age of the carpet, and try to argue that the carpet was depreciated.

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