Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

questions & answers

Question: Landlord trying to bill me for carpet cleaning and replacement after move out..wht right s do I have to counter this?

Answer: The answer to the question will depend on (1) whether or not a carpet cleaning fee was specified in the rental agreement and/or (2) whether or not the damage to the carpet was more than “ordinary wear and tear” (A.R.S. 33-321). If a fee for cleaning (or even replacement of) the carpet was specified in the rental agreement, then the landlord may charge that fee. If the damage to the carpet was more than would be caused by everyday use, then the landlord may require the tenant to repair it. Under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33 Chapter 10), a tenant must “not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so” (A.R.S. 33-1341).