Landlord trying to get us to pay for carpet replacement?

[Jacob Nutter]

Hey guys,

My three roommates and I live in a student-oriented housing development. After a quarterly inspection, we received an email that our carpet might need to be replaced because of damage, and that we would be footing the bill for that. Our carpet is not in perfect shape, but nothing beyond what I would consider normal wear and tear. I have included photos for you to make your own judgement. They said they would come by in a week or so to review the inspection and see if it needs to be replaced, but none of us will be here since it is summer break. My questions are:

1. Can they even force us to pay for a replacement before we move out? All 4 of us have already signed up for another year. 

2. How do I fight their claim if they say that the damage is beyond normal wear and tear?

3. How do I make them prove they tried to clean it before saying that it needs to be replaced?

4. How do I make sure we only pay a prorated rate for the carpet replacement? Carpet is now 2 years old.

They have not yet said that we have to replace the carpet, it's pending the next inspection. However, call me cynical, but I don't trust them to inspect it honestly when they could get new carpet on our dime.

Thanks for the help everyone. 

[Stephen Haynes]

Have it professionally cleaned yourself people are always advertising super cheap carpet cleaning. Ask them to show you when the last time the carpet was replaced and check your landlord tenant laws in the state.