Can I let out my flat when the carpets are not perfect

[Georug]

I’m having a real dilemma - am letting out my flat as moving in with DP, it’s the first time I’ve ever let out a property (only bought it four years ago in my mid thirties and rented up till then)

When I bought the flat the carpet was very dirty but I cleaned it with my shampooing machine and it was ok, not perfect. I didn’t really mind as having a toddler it was never going to be perfect.

I’m getting the flat ready to start marketing it and had the carpets professionally cleaned. They’re much better than they were but there are still several marks here and there.

Does anyone know if this will make it impossible to let out? Recarpeting would wipe out my meagre savings completely and I’m wondering whether some tenants wouldn’t actually mind that much? I know when I was renting, I was always nervous about freshly carpeted places as I knew any mishaps could end up costing me my deposit. I would make sure all the marks would be listed on the inventory so the tenants could be secure in the knowledge I wouldn’t be blaming any of it on them.

It’s not a high-end property (although everything else is in good order, freshly painted, modern bathroom and kitchen etc) and the rent would reflect this so it’s not a case of a gorgeous apartment with a contrastingly crappy carpet, just a decent, basic flat.

Really not sure what to do!

As a tenant I didn't mind if things weren't perfect as long as the price reflected that. Just make it clear in the inventory that there are some stains

Sure it will let. Make sure you note all defects in the inventory and get the tenants to agree and sign it.

Ok thank you, that’s reassuring!

When I rented, brand new carpets were my nightmare - however careful you are it’s pretty much inevitable that at some point during a tenant you’ll spill a drink or mark them in some way and end up getting charged for it. As long as they look clean as in not grubby and grimy, all but the fussiest tenants will be fine.

Weirdly, some tenants may prefer a less-than-pristine carpet as they'll know they won't be getting stung for anything relating to carpets when they leave!

Thank you, this is exactly what I wanted to hear!

If you don't have savings, how are you going to immediately do anything that the tenants need, eg. replace the boiler? Being a landlord is a serious responsibility, you need money behind you to do it.

You’ll be fine with the carpets

But being a landlord is a bit of an arse of responsibility, are you absolutely read up on your obligations? Are you prepared for unknown costs of repairs? And landlord insurance, boiler checks, energy ratings, fire retardant labels on furniture etc?

@MsRinky I do have some savings, recarpeting would have wiped them out pretty much that’s all. I’ve got a monthly package with the letting agent that guarantees rent and means I don’t have to pay for most repairs. And once I’m living with DP I will be better off both through sharing living costs and increasing my work hours so will be able to build my savings up to a decent level pretty quickly.

Oh yes, my heart would sink at new carpets as a tenant. Much preferred clean but with a few stains!

@ShirleyPhallus yes I’ve triple checked everything I’m liable for! No furniture so no need for labels, no gas just electric so no need for gas safety cert. having smoke alarms checked and certified. Got my EPC cert. got landlord insurance and consent to let from mortgage provider. Letting agents are doing right to rent check, references, credit checks and tenancy agreement plus inventory. I’m a bit obsessive about being prepared and covered for everything and have probably driven the letting agent mad with my millions of questions but I’m pretty sure I haven’t forgotten anything!

Never rented but if I did I know I'd prefer carpets that weren't perfect. Have a young DS myself and I'd be on pins!