Replying to a spouter asking about a rental that needs rugs and paint: The potential tenant can ask the landlord, as part of the rental agreement, to freshly paint the apartment and replace the rugs. Although, the landlord is not required by law unless it's a health hazard; i.e., lead paint or ripped rugs causing a tripping hazard, the tenant has the option of just looking for another place to rent if the landlord does not want to paint or replace rugs.