Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Kelvin Nielsen
As a tenant in Arizona, the lease as well as the statewide Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARLTA) give you certain responsibilities. Among these responsibilities is maintaining the unit to reasonable levels of cleanliness.
Additionally, the lease requires that you return the property back to the landlord in the same condition you found it in, less normal wear and tear.
Now, the ARLTA doesn’t specifically address how often a landlord has to replace the carpet. That said, the law does address the differences between “normal wear and tear” and damage when it comes to carpets.
In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know regarding your landlord’s responsibilities when it comes to carpet replacement.
Landlord Carpet Replacement Law in Arizona
The following are answers to commonly asked questions regarding landlord carpet replacement law in Arizona.
What is considered normal wear and tear on a carpet in Arizona?
Arizona law defines “normal wear and tear” as the deterioration that occurs naturally as a result of the tenant using the property as it was designed to be used.
Consequently, a tenant isn’t responsible for replacing a carpet that has simply deteriorated due to normal, everyday use. Your landlord is responsible!
The following are examples of normal wear and tear on a carpet include the following.
- Fading from sunlight
- Pilling in high-traffic areas
- Abrasion marks from furniture legs
- Minor stains from accidents or spills
- Minor tears or holes
Aside from carpets, other examples of normal wear and tear on a rental unit include:
- Lightly dirtied grout
- Lightly scratched glass
- Stained bath fixtures
- Loose door handles
- Faded paint
- Faded flooring
Your landlord must not require you to fix such damage, nor make any deductions from your security deposit.
What is considered excessive damage on a carpet in Arizona?
Excessive damage, on the other hand, results from a tenant’s abuse or negligence during the course of tenancy. As such, as a tenant, you are responsible for the cost of the repair or even replacement.
The following are examples of damage exceeding normal wear and tear on a carpet.
- Large tears
- Large holes
- Burning stains from cigarettes or other sources
- Pet urine or feces stains
- Severely faded or worn carpets
Aside from carpets, other examples of damage exceeding normal wear and tear on a rental unit include the following.
- A smashed bathroom mirror
- Holes in the wall
- Broken or missing tiles
- Broken or missing doors/hinges
As a tenant, the cost of fixing these types of damages is your responsibility. You must carry out the repairs or replacements before moving out, lest the landlord uses part or all of your security deposit on the same.
Can a landlord charge for carpet cleaning in Arizona?
It depends! Your landlord can charge you a non-refundable, reasonable cleaning fee if it is specifically stated in the lease agreement.
Your landlord can also make appropriate deductions on your security deposit if you leave the carpet in a dire state of uncleanliness. For instance, wine/pet stains on the carpet.
The landlord must, however, not charge you for routine cleaning or for damage resulting from normal wear and tear.
How often does a landlord have to replace carpet in Arizona?
The Arizona Residential Landlord & Tenant Act (ARLTA) doesn’t require landlords to replace the carpet on a regular basis.
With that in mind, always document the property when moving in. This will help you dispute any claims of damage to the carpet when you eventually move out of the property.
Things to Keep in Mind when it comes to Carpet Replacement Arizona
The following are a few things to keep in mind in this regard.
- Carpets have a life expectancy of between 7 and 10 years. As such, it becomes the landlord’s responsibility to replace the carpet even if there is no visible damage or even in a situation where the tenant has caused damage exceeding normal wear and tear.
- The landlord can charge you a percentage of the replacement cost. Suppose, for instance, that the life expectancy of the carpet is 10 years and you’ve only lived on the property for 5 years. If you caused damage exceeding normal wear and tear, the landlord should only charge you 50% of the total replacement cost.
- The landlord has a duty to provide you a habitable property. This is per ARS §33.1341, which also includes repairing any damage to the carpet as long as it occurs due to normal wear and tear.
- You have a responsibility to keep the unit clean and sanitary. This also includes cleaning the carpet regularly.
Conclusion
Although there is no landlord carpet replacement law in Arizona, both landlords and tenants have certain responsibilities under state law. Your landlord has a duty to provide a habitable property, which includes providing a carpet and making repairs to damage resulting from normal wear and tear.
On your part as a tenant, you have a duty to maintain habitable standards, including cleaning the carpet routinely and returning it in the same condition you found it in, less normal wear and tear.
Disclosure: The content herein isn’t a substitute for advice from a professional attorney. It’s only meant to serve educational purposes. If you have a specific question, kindly seek expert attorney services.
Sources: https://housing.az.gov/general-public/landlord-and-tenant-act, ARS §33.1341, A.R.S. Title 33 Chapter 11, https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33/#ui-id-21,
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Hi, I’m Kelvin Nielsen, an experienced landlord and accomplished real estate lawyer. My focus is on answering your questions about renting in the hopes of making your life as a renter or a landlord a bit easier.