How much does the council charge if you don't lift carpets?

[Blankiefan]

When leaving a council house, if you don't lift the carpets but you do clear it otherwise, how much will the council charge us? I appreciate this will change per council but looking for a guide.

Context is that we're clearing MIL's flat and are under time pressure with WFH and home schooling and its all complicated by COVID. We're hitting a brick wall trying to find a house clearance firm thats open.

Sorry I am no help but I didn't realise you would need to clear the carpets!! I would have thought that if there was carpet there when she moved in, the carpet would be left so as it is left how it was when she moved in. Thinking about it, obviously, if you don't empty it full that is a cost that the council would incur, I'm just surprised (which is of no help to you).

It will depend entirely on your council. I would just drop them an email to explain the situation and ask.

£50 here I will never understand this rule unless the carpet is falling apart and filthy! Surely the new tennants will appreciate the carpet at first even when they eventually rip it up and replace to their own tastes.

Check if you can leave them down. Someone before Covid looked around my house and they were in good condition so I left the carpets.

Our local HA (the council no longer own the houses), told me it would be £450 to take the carpets out of my parents house, regardless of how many carpets were in there. It's been 10 weeks since I handed the keys back and I have yet to be billed for it. If they do I will argue that the house was cleared during a lockdown and how , exactly, did they think it was possible to remove a large living room, stairs and landing carpet on my own at the time?

Thanks. We'll call tomorrow. There's just so much to sort out. Its a bit overwhelming. Got the letter on Friday to say that the housing benefit stopped on the day she died so we don't know how much rent will be due either. She passed away just before xmas so the flat has been empty for nearly an extra month but with Xmas and COVID its been a real challenge.

They should have procedures about how long the rent needs to be paid for after a tenant passes away, but I would say that you have no obligation to pay any outstanding rent yourselves.

If MIL had any money remaining, it seems fair that maybe a couple of weeks rent after her death could be payable, but if she didn't have any money, the council shouldn't be asking you for it and legally you shouldn't have to pay, especially given that circumstances (covid and Christmas) have caused a delay.

As for the carpets, unless they are filthy, in very poor condition or riddled with fleas, I'd ask if they can be left, as surely the next tenants will appreciate not having to pay for carpets straight away. But if they are able to put down new carpet straight away, the firm they use will just dispose of the existing ones as normal.

You are not liable for any bills in your MiL's name. They are paid from any money she had in her estate, if there is no money then they cannot come to you directly to pay it. Any due rent is not down to you to pay.

We were given 3 days to clear my Nan's flat when she died. I'm surprised they haven't chased you for the keys by now.