Here’s the truth: replacing carpet is often less about “is it broken” and more about “does it help me rent this place faster?” If your unit has other problems (ugly kitchen, weird smells, a view of a dumpster), new carpet is a cheap distraction. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig, but that pig rents out in two weeks instead of two months.
If you want to be the landlord everyone loves, aim for that 5-7 year sweet spot. And if a tenant breaks the lease early and leaves a perfectly clean carpet? Congratulations—you just won the lottery. Save that money for the next war zone.
So go ahead. Sniff, poke, and stomp around on that beige monster. You’ll know when it’s time. Or just blame the last tenant—it’s your right as a landlord. Now go enjoy your coffee while it’s still hot. Your carpet will still be there when you get back. Probably.
