I replied to another comment that I’m legally cleared to do this. The only question is who is paying for what replacement/refinishing. I’ve been a renter my entire adult life and am very familiar with my obligations as well as my landlord’s responsibilities. Thanks for your input.

Thank you so much for this. I was brought up in the DIY tradition by my dad, who taught me well, but he died last winter and this will be the first project I’m undertaking where I won’t be able to call him if I have any questions. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t forgetting about anything major that would derail the whole thing.

And yes, true to form, one of the last Christmas gifts he ever gave me was an N95 respirator mask, so I’ll be all set. :) Thanks for cheering me on.

Oh dear. My condolences to your knees. I’m actually quite curious about what all is happening under there at this point. I think the carpet was a much more recent addition, so I don’t think the staples will be quite that old, but I’m anticipating that it’s not going to be a fun time either way. Although you’ve got me thinking I might need to invest in some knee pads…

It appears that you didn’t see my earlier comment. I am legally cleared to do this. The only question is who is paying for what replacement/refinishing, if any. In addition I work with real estate developers and contractors daily and am well-versed in black mold. In addition I am also trained in the identification of hazardous/historic construction materials as well as their safe removal and disposal. I didn’t ask for judgment on my situation and I’m not entirely sure why you care so much about whether or not I’m “messing” with someone else’s property, but thank you for your input.

Thanks so much for this - I was wondering about the staples for whatever is left of the pad. I don’t think there’s much left there at all; in fact, it’s easier for me to walk around and feel where the pad remains rather than where it doesn’t. There are huge gaping holes in the living room and dining room where it’s worn through and the wood is visible, so I may start there and see how it goes.

Thanks for the info - it sounds like you have a house of a similar vintage. Your bedrooms give me hope - from what I’ve seen so far, it doesn’t look too bad, but I know I can’t possibly get that lucky in all the rooms.

I didn’t want to make the post overlong but there is no way I would be kicked out for this according to the terms of the lease. I’ve even checked with my lawyer and the rent stabilization office and my neighbor is in the process of doing the exact same thing. I’ve lived here for twelve years and I will probably be here for another twelve as I live in a high COL area and my rent is cheaper than literally any mortgage I could get in a 100-mile radius. I understand that renting is not everyone’s cup of tea, nor does everyone think that you should devote time and energy to a rental, but many people find themselves in similar situations - particularly in cities like mine where people are known to rent for 20-30 years once they lock in a good rate. I appreciate your concern, but I am cleared to do this legally and I don’t mind investing my own time and energy into my home of more than a decade. My question was more directed toward the practical aspects of removing the carpet on my own, as this is not a DIY I’ve attempted before.