basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn [NJ]) Apr 18, 2013 12:11 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Robert J [CA]) Apr 18, 2013 1:06 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Katherine [TX]) Apr 18, 2013 2:10 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn Delgado [NJ]) Apr 18, 2013 2:55 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Doug [NJ]) Apr 18, 2013 3:10 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by EvelyEvelyn Delgado [NJ]) Apr 18, 2013 3:26 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Peter [NY]) Apr 18, 2013 4:36 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn DelgadoEvelyn Delgado [NJ]) Apr 18, 2013 4:58 PM
basement plumbing repairs (by Robert Phaedra [NY]) Apr 19, 2013 8:01 AM
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn Delgado [NJ]) Apr 21, 2013 4:45 AM
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 12:11 PM Message:
If the sewer pipes back up in the basement of a 2 family house is the landlord responsible to fix it or can he charge the tenants? Lease states tenants are responsible for plumbing repairs, but lease does not specify apartment or basement. The landlord charged me for half of the repair and the other half to tenant on the first floor. Since i refused to pay he took the April 2013 rent and applied it toward the plumbing repairs and then sent me a notice to pay or quit, stating I still owe a balance of $284 toward repairs and April's rent. Is this legal? --74.102.xxx.xxx |
basement plumbing repairs (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 1:06 PM Message:
I don't know how your property was built. But as a plumber when I build a two family property, it is common to share drain pipes. They may have different vertical lines but when they go horizontal, they tie in together.
So it is hard to say which tenant clogged the line more or caused the larger of the blockage. So if the blockage could have come from either of your two tenants, it's hard to charge the right party. Therefore I would eat the repair the first time then split the cost with your tenants the next time it happened. Good Luck.
--173.60.xx.xxx |
basement plumbing repairs (by Katherine [TX]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 2:10 PM Message:
Please be aware that this is a landlord site, so be aware that you may not get an entirely warm reception (full disclosure).
I have a house where the city sewer occasionally backs up into the basement. This in my estimation is typically a no fault sort of thing and should fall on the property owner to remedy and pay for.
Because I am aware of the issue I disclose it to tenants and ask them to notify me immediately if there is a problem. It is VERY occasional, only in periods of heavy rains when the sewer pipes back up due to clogs or excessive run off. Tenants know not to store things of value in that particular basement.
I have also had tree roots block up old clay drain pipes at several different places, which causes all manner of plumbing issues. Again this is a no fault item and should not be charged to tenants.
If tenants stop up the plumbing, then tenants should pay the repair, but if it is really a no-fault item then either the property owner or possibly the city should pay, if the city failed to maintain the sewers and clear the storm drains.
Your responsibility in this case seems to me to be to notify the owner and then the owner needs to take it up with the city or make the repair (if nothing you or your neighbor did clogged up the drain.) --173.161.xxx.xx |
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn Delgado [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 2:55 PM Message:
Thank you both for your response. It is interesting Katherine that you mention the occasional sewer backup. This house is in a flood zone so not only does the street flood but the sewer also backs up in the basement. Thank you very much. --66.87.xxx.xxx |
basement plumbing repairs (by Doug [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 3:10 PM Message:
Evelyn, as others have stated, this is a landlord site. However, that being said, it annoys me when some landlords try to take advantage of tenants and this sounds like one of those situations. If the landlord was unable to pinpoint the cause of the backup, he is not permitted to simply charge the two tenants each 1/2 the cost of the plumber having to clear the sewer line. Who knows if the other tenant was throwing things down the line they shouldn't be - why should you be paying for that? And the same applies to them if you were flushing stuff down the toilet that you shouldn't be. I would kindly tell him that his notice is not valid and continue to pay your rent. If he tries taking you to court over this, they will not win. And if they try to deduct the amount from your security deposit when you move out, you will be able to sue them for damages and recover the full amount plus some. --216.139.xxx.xxx |
basement plumbing repairs (by EvelyEvelyn Delgado [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 3:26 PM Message:
Thanks Doug. I wouldn't throw any thing down the drain that should go down the drain. As per plumbers invoice, the drain pipe had been poorly installed when property wsd renovated. This landlord has chased the tenants in the first floor away with this situation and now that I am still here he wants to intimidate me by sending me a nitice to pay or quit. --68.38.xxx.x |
basement plumbing repairs (by Peter [NY]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 4:36 PM Message:
Time for a new landlord --74.106.xx.xx |
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn DelgadoEvelyn Delgado [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 18, 2013 4:58 PM Message:
That is the plan! Thanks --68.38.xxx.x |
basement plumbing repairs (by Robert Phaedra [NY]) Posted on: Apr 19, 2013 8:01 AM Message:
The plumber said it was an installation issue and your landlord wants you to pay for it?? That's crazy!!!! Do not pay it and keep the invoice as proof that it was NOT a tenant caused problem. If it goes to eviction that is all you will need. Good luck! --134.179.xxx.xxx |
basement plumbing repairs (by Evelyn Delgado [NJ]) Posted on: Apr 21, 2013 4:45 AM Message:
Thank you Robert. --68.38.xxx.x |
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