Is my landlord responsible for water pressure? ?

Question

Can i break my lease if he is and refuses to fix the problem

Answer 1

Possibly, but it probably has more to do with the town water system. Your landlord cannot control that! Be thankful you have water.

Answer 2

It really depends on the problem.

What exactly is the problem with the pressure?

Has it always been the same or is the pressure now lower?

Is it an issue at one location (shower or specific sink) or an all over issue?

Water pressure also varies depending on the system, some simply provide better pressure than others. Also, new plumbing fixtures are required to have restrictors that save water and may cause lower pressure.

Unless the problem affects the habitability of the rental, you cannot legally break the lease. No water affects habitability, low water pressure may not.

First, you are going to have to prove there is a problem. The landlord is not going to call in a plumber for a "fishing expedition" simply because you think the pressure is too low. Also, if the landlord calls in a plumber due to your complaint and no problem is found, the landlord can charge you for the service call.

After you prove there is an issue, you must give the landlord a reasonable amount of time in which to repair the problem.

If the problem is not repaired, your next step would be to call the local housing inspector. If the inspector determines that there is a problem, the landlord will be required to repair it. If the problem affects the habitability, the inspector will give you the info you need to break the lease, if applicable.

Keep in mind, in some locales, if the tenant calls in the housing inspector and no problem is found, the tenant may be charged for the inspection.

Answer 3

    Your landlord has the legal obligation to provide you with adequate water pressure as part of landlords general obligation to provide habitable premises,

     Your problem with water pressure needs to be significant. Beyond "My shower does not work when the toilet is flushed" You likely need to identify the cause of the problem through a reputable source. Make a demand upon the landlord to resolve this problem. Provide landlord a reasonable amount of time to repair the problem. Will your water department cite the landlord with an Order to Repair? Will they report the water pressure inadequate to meet reasonable requirements.

       More information is required to be definititive but you are basically correct that you may terminate a lease if your tenant fails to timely make repairs required to provide tenants  habitable possession.

      Good Luck.    

Answer 4

maybe

has it changed or was it like this when you moved in?

If it hasn't changed, or only slightly. . . .then you have no case

water pressure comes from the street into the house. . . .and then there are the pipes in the house which can become corroded. . . .not an easy fix

READ your lease and see what it says. ..  .we don't know

Answer 5

Usually you need to work with the water company, it is next to impossible for homeowners to effect the water pressure.