Tenant Suing Landlord ! Need Help
Hi, Here is the situation. My tenant claims that where was a water leak and this is why he has a high water bill. I have an 800 number with access to a plumber in which he can call to have repairs done in 24 hrs. He is claiming that the toilet in the basement was running and is in need of repair. The lease states it is his responsibility to call for repair. He states the toilet running was beyond his control and he should not be responsible for the toilet running and the Hi Bill. He never sent anything reporting this in writing. How am I (landlord) suposed to keep track of his toilet. any comments will be greatly appreciated. He is takeing me to district court for the money.
I'd think about moving that tenant outa there as he's likely to get worse before he's done.
If the lease says he is responsible and he signed it then that is it - he is reponsible.
As a renter myself if the tenant signed the lease and its states that he is responsible to fix the problem then he needs to have it fixed but I also believe that you the owner should have gone over to the unit to see if there was a water leak and what causing to leak and then from there note that you had spoke to the tenant about how to go about fixing it .
We still call the plumber and get one out there. But they coordinate with the tenant when they need to meet them.
We generally pay for the problems, unless the plumber statest that it was caused by the tenant.
k10whosun,
How did this problem get resolved?
The lease states your answer. That is what will be looked at in small claims court. I would also consider replacing the tenant but according to your lease terms. Some tenants are bullies full of hot air as you are finding out. Have fun!