Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Recessed Carpet

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Flooring
Remote Name: 207.82.209.236
Date: 10 Jun 2001
Time: 02:35 PM

Comments

1) First, if you are an apartment tenant and have a condition that's unsafe (such as rusty carpet tacks exposed), write a courteous but firm certified letter to your landlord clearly explaining your situation, stating that this is an UNSAFE, hazardous condition and that under the law, you have a right to safe living conditions. Also note in writing that this is your second attempt at a remedy (the first attempt, presumably, was verbal.) Stepping on the exposed tack could puncture your foot, possibly causing an infection or, worse, Tetanus.

2) As to remedies, it's possible that a carpet installer who has a stretcher could stretch the carpeting enough to re-engage the tack strip. However, if the carpet is truly too damaged to reach, then another possibility is to put in a seam with a leftover scrap. Again, a carpet installer can do this. If the landlord doesn't have any matching scraps, then replacement of the carpeting is a reasonable expectation as part of overall maintenance of the apartment.

Depending on the size of the room, you may be able to find a reasonable remnant from a carpeting warehouse and have it installed for a few hundred bucks. This is a small price for a landlord to pay to ensure occupant safety.

Your other alternative if you get no results is to sue in small claims court...but this is a hassle and I've got to believe that your landlord would rather fix the problem than let if fester. But sometimes a letter from an attorney is all it takes to get action if your letter fails to produce results. Of course, the letter would probably cost more than putting in new carpeting...so your last resort may be to offer to split the cost with your landlord, setting a price cap on the repair.

Good luck,

Builders Websource

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