Potential tenant offered to change carpet

[Amar Patil]

The tenants were successfully screened and application was approved this week for leasing single family house that I own. The tenants (husband/wife) would like to sign lease begining Aug 1st. The tenants are a roofer by trade. Husband has a respiratory condition. They offered to change the carpet throughout the house for $100 reduction in monthly rent year on a 2-year lease. They would do this by themselves. The carpet is 14 years old, has folded in several places, and may last another couple of years or not. If I were to change the carpet, it would cost me about 6-7K. On the face value, it is a good deal. I am not sure if I will keep this house as a rental property on long term. I am considering selling the house in a couple of years.

Any thoughts on this offer by tenants? What am I missing?

Thanks.

[Richard F.]

Seriously? 14 year old carpet with wrinkles? Nothing like saying you don't give a darn about attracting Good Tenants. You should never have shown the property in that kind of condition. Why would ANY truly Good tenant show interest in it?  With the wrinkles, it likely will not even pass S8 inspection! Replace it, either with an appropriate carpet (NOT the flat, office type, super cheap stuff, and NOT a low grade SOLID COLOR plush. Get a mid grade with anti-stain treatment that has a random, variegated coloration that will HIDE future stains far better); OR with Armstrong VCT glue down tile that will last for many years and can be easily restored in the future with a powered, walk behind buffer.

NEVER authorize tenants to work on your property, for trade or for pay. WHO do you think will be responsible if they get hurt doing so?