All Forum Posts by: Matt Lindstrom

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I bought a duplex in late 2020. One side was already occupied by tenants who had moved in around late 2019. They just moved out, and the carpet in their unit has significant damage — cat stains, paint spills, random stains, and a ripped-up spot from an office chair. While the carpet still feels cushiony and looks good, it clearly needs to be replaced due to the damage caused by the tenants.

I’m planning to install LVP flooring, which was quoted at $4,700. I understand LVP is more expensive than carpet to install, so I'm not looking to pass that full cost onto the tenants. I don’t know when the carpet was originally installed, but it was there before they moved in, and the previous owner wasn’t helpful when I asked for the installation date/year.

I’m considering prorating the carpet over a 10-year lifespan and charging for the remaining 3 years — roughly $1,410. I still hold their $1,800 security deposit. Does this seem like a fair and reasonable approach?

Thanks in advance for your input!