http://hotpads/comments/viewThread/?format=html&id=2013HotPads CommentsjRSSGenerator by Henrique A. Viecilihttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssWe have lived in the apartment almost 5 years. The carpet was washed over 8 times. Still very dirty with spots.2013This is an interesting question. A carpet has a useful life - 10 years, 20 years etc - maybe 5. 1. Do you have pets? 2. So you have kids? 3. Do you maintain the carpet? 4. Do you eat your dinner on the carpet? I'm a landlord. You have a responsibility to maintain the unit. In general there are various guidelines for carpeting in a rental -second floor units in general. As a landlord, in all my units, as tenants move out, I either replaced carpeting with pergo type floor or refinish the hardwood floors. Most people don't appreciate the beauty of oak flooring - nor do they know how to care for it. Carpeting or wood, you have to wipe it up immediately. Look at rentlaw.com for normal wear and tear and carpeting and damages.2028