In Short NO. The landlord is not responsible for upgrades to any property unless it is in writing in a formal lease. Homes are rented "as is" unless stated in a written lease.
Not necessarily: he can have the carpet professionally cleaned.
If the carpet originally smelled like that before you moved in, the landlord would have to do something about that. If it began smelling like cat urine after you moved in, I believe you would have to take care of that. Check your contract with the landlord.
No, there is no requirements to replace carpet, ever, as long as it doesn't pose a health issue.
I was wondering how often the landlord needs to replace carpets in NH? If someone else lived there and I/m moving in, what do they have to do? Thanks Sally
It depends. If the carpet is in good shape then no, they don't have to replace it and it would be wasteful to do so. If the carpet is so bad you can't live in it, then a city inspector can be called and they will tell the landlord to change it.
Some places have certain stipulations for how often carpet must be replaced in a rental unit. Others will replace only when it is needed. Call someone locally to learn your tenant rights.
Depending on the wear, tear, your carpet cleaning methods, and it's warranty, carpet should last aproximately 5 to 7 years.
The landlord's duty is to keep a property "habitable" - fit to live in. If the carpet is well worn and hopelessly filthy-looking, a city official may decide it must be replaced. If there are no holes and discoloration is limited to high-traffic areas, then it would probably not be considered too bad. Also, a landlord will replace the carpet if it helps him rent it quicker or for more money. If he's not replacing it, the reason is probably because the tenant is getting a good deal or just unwilling to look for a better place.
With words and in a language that you and your landlord both understand
There are no laws in Minnesota directly pertaining to the carpeting, but landlords are required to keep the property in a state of "reasonable repair."
I dont know about in California but in the UK it's your own responsibility to clean your own carpet, wear and tear should be replaced by the landlord but if its dirty and you made it dirty then you need to be cleaning it!
You can replace carpet pads yourself. If you have no experience in this area it would be advisable to read up on it before attempting. This website offers helpful advice http://www.doityourself.com/story/when-you-should-replace-carpet-padding#.UHVnkXqDGBM.