Clean or replace carpet in rental property?

Question

Hi all, this is my first rental property. The basement and master bedroom carpet I had removed and am wondering if I should also have the living room carpet removed because of the strong dog smell? Not sure if it will clean up or just have it removed and then replace with linoleum or carpet? Intend to get rent ready in 1-2 months.

Sharlene Mulchandani · Answer

@Mark Berge I suggest replacing the carpet, since you're already replacing it in a few other rooms. With pet odors it can get difficult to remove the deep-set smell, since the floor beneath your carpet could be the reason for these odors too. A full replacement would be the best option here.

Dick Rosen · Answer

If your already doing flooring I'd do it all. Dog smell isn't that hard to take care of with the right cleaning

Adam Martin · Answer

Depending on finances I would replace the bedrooms with carpet but put down lvp in the basement and living room.  It will last much longer than carpet and people like it.  It will cost more up front though but feel it is worth it in the end.

Mark Berge · Answer

In the concrete slab basement, the carpet has been gone for a week and there is still a strong smell. A contractor suggested spraying it with a 50/50 mix of bleach and water. Let it sit for 30 min. and then mop it up several times. I haven't tried it yet.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Just do it all. It would suck to replace some of the carpet and still have the odor stuck in the remainder.

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Mark Berge

Rental properties I tend to avoid carpeting and use hardwood floors such as laminate or other type of hardwoods.  Carpeting tends to not last very long with rentals and today people prefer hardwoods.  It does depend on the type of class rental you have.

Marlen Weber · Answer

Hi @Mark Berge,

If you're already having flooring removed, might as well have the carpet replaced as well just to be on the safe side. You don't want to mask the issues, it's best to fix it so that bigger issues don't arise later on.

Justin Tahilramani · Answer

Mark - What class property is this?

Mike McCarthy · Answer

@Mark Berge if you’re already re-carpeting (or other flooring type), I’d definitely replace the carpet in one room. It won’t cost much more and will make sure you get rid of the smell.

Clean or replace carpet in rental property?

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