As a landlord, you have various responsibilities, one of which is keeping a safe and habitable living space for your tenants. An often overlooked aspect of rental property maintenance is the condition of the carpet. Over time, carpets naturally wear down, and understanding who is responsible for replacing them and how often they should be replaced is essential for managing your rental property effectively and providing a comfortable home for your tenants.
Who is responsible for the cost of changing carpets?
Generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property, including replacing carpets in cases of normal wear and tear. However, if the carpet has been damaged beyond normal wear (for example, there are stains or burns caused by the tenant), the tenant may be responsible for the cost of replacement or repair, depending on the terms of the tenancy agreement. For example, in this mydeposits case study relating to carpet replacement and fair wear and tear, a landlord claimed £825 from the deposit to replace all carpets after a four-year tenancy. The tenant admitted to damaging the lounge carpet but disputed full replacement due to age and wear.
The adjudicator awarded £195 for the lounge carpet (as it was damaged by iron burns) but rejected claims for other carpets, citing fair wear and tear over four years and their pre-existing condition. This case highlights that landlords can claim for tenant damage, but deductions must reflect the age and condition of items to avoid betterment.
How often should you replace carpet?
The longevity of a carpet in a rental property can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the carpet, foot traffic, and how well it’s maintained. However, it is recommended for landlords to consider replacing carpets every five to seven years. If the carpet shows signs of significant wear or becomes difficult to clean, replacement should be considered sooner. Check out mydeposits’ guide to the life expectancy of rental products which considers factors such as age, quality, tenant profile, expected life span and tenancy duration.
How much does it cost to change a carpet in the UK?
The cost to replace a carpet depends on several factors, including the size of the room, the quality of the carpet, and whether the work is done professionally. The average cost of carpet in the UK varies widely, ranging from as little as £5 to £55 per square meter, with top-of-the-range designer carpets costing over £100 per square meter. On average, replacing a carpet in a typical UK room can cost:
When is the cost of changing carpets the landlord’s responsibility?
As a landlord, you are generally responsible for replacing carpets when they are worn out due to normal wear and tear. This includes situations such as:
However, if the carpet has been damaged by the tenant (e.g., there are burns, stains from negligence, or pet damage), the landlord may charge the tenant for the cost of replacement or repair, depending on the agreement. Find out more about how to calculate wear and tear, the difference between wear and tear and damage, and how to apportion costs so that your tenant isn’t asked to pay more than is fair for any damage they do cause in our ultimate landlord guide to wear and tear.
Landlord insurance and carpet damage
While landlords are generally responsible for replacing carpets due to normal wear and tear, damage caused by tenants - whether accidental or deliberate - can become costly. This is where having comprehensive landlord insurance is essential. Policies like Total Landlord’s Premier cover include protection against both accidental damage and malicious damage caused by tenants, helping to safeguard your investment.
Steve Barnes, Head of Broking at Total Landlord, explains:
“We regularly see claims for damage to flooring, particularly from iron burns, red wine spills and pet accidents. Having the right insurance in place can make a real difference when it comes to covering these unexpected costs.”
Insurance can’t replace good property management, but it can offer peace of mind when things go wrong. Find out how Total Landlord can help protect your property from the unexpected.
Pet damage protection insurance
With the Renters’ Rights Bill expected to come into force in 2025, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet. This will increase the likelihood of pet-related damage to carpets, especially from scratching, chewing or toilet accidents. To help landlords adapt to these changes, Total Landlord will shortly be launching its pet damage protection insurance , a new type of cover that complements deposit protection and provides up to £2,500 in coverage for damage caused by up to three pets per property.
Gerry Barrett, Managing Director at Total Landlord, says:
“The upcoming changes in rental laws mean that landlords will need to adapt to a more pet-friendly market. Total Landlord's pet damage protection insurance provides both landlords and tenants with an affordable, reliable solution to managing pet-related damages, so that landlords can confidently welcome tenants with pets while protecting their investment.”
With pet-related claims now exceeding the value of the tenancy deposit in over a third of cases, this added layer of protection helps landlords' future-proof their investment.
What are carpet cleaning laws in the UK?
While there is no specific law that requires landlords to clean carpets between tenants, it is your responsibility as a landlord to maintain the property to a clean and habitable condition at the start of each new tenancy. Many landlords include a clause in their tenancy agreement requiring tenants to keep the carpets clean and well maintained throughout their tenancy. The tenant is only required to return the carpet in the same condition that it was in at the start of the tenancy.
If a tenant leaves a carpet in worse condition than when they moved in, the landlord can claim the cost of cleaning or repairs from the tenant's deposit. However, it is important to carry out a check-in inventory at the start of the tenancy and a check-out inspection at the end so that, if there is a discussion about the condition and cleanliness of the carpet, you have the evidence needed for negotiation. Check-in inventories, mid-term inspection reports and check-out reports will support any discussion around whether professional cleaning or replacement is necessary. Read Inventories – the complete guide, which combines the expertise of mydeposits and No Letting Go, for more guidance.
FAQs:
Does a room have to be empty to lay carpet?
Yes, generally, a room should be empty when laying new carpet. This makes sure the installation process is smooth, the carpet is fitted correctly, and there is no damage to furniture or belongings. Some carpet installers may be able to work around furniture, but it’s usually more efficient and effective to have the room cleared.
Can tenants change carpet?
Tenants typically cannot change the carpet without the landlord’s consent. Altering or replacing the carpet would be seen as an unauthorised modification to the property. If a tenant wants to replace the carpet, they should discuss this with the landlord and get approval in writing. In most cases, tenants are responsible for maintaining the carpet but not replacing it unless the damage is their fault.
How often should you change your carpet?
It is advisable to replace carpets every five to seven years, depending on the amount of wear and the quality of the carpet. Heavy foot traffic, stains, and damage from pets or accidents may require more frequent replacements.
