Carpet Replacement

[jenandjason]

My question involves a security deposit in the State of: MA.

We just moved out of our apartment of 2 years. The carpet was older but in good condition when we moved in, and we left it with some normal wear and tear but no real damages. However, the landlord is saying that they replaced the entire carpet due to "smoke smell". Does the landlord need to provide proof that they attempted to clean/wash the carpet before moving on to replacing it? It seems like charging us for a carpet cleaner would have been a first step that would have been much less expensive...
If there was no clause that stated smoke free, can they charge for smoke smell? We did smoke in the apartment, but cleaned the carpet and aired out the apartment when we moved out.

Thank you!

[Mr. Knowitall]

Generally speaking, if smoking is allowed in an apartment a "smoke smell" would be normal wear and tear. Was there something particularly exceptional or excessive about the smell?