PLease help renting problem with a leak???

Question

i AM RENTING A HOME AND THERE IS A LEAK IN THE PIPES THAT CAUSED MY WATERBILL TO GO FROM $ 37.00 TO $600.

AM i RESPOSIABLE FOR PAYING THE WATER BILL DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE REASON IT IS SO MUCH IS BECAUSE OF THE LEAK THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED?

Answer 1

You might have a claim if you can prove whoever should have fixed the leak knew about it and failed to take action.  $600 in water is a geyser, why wasn't it fixed?

Answer 2

No, because you are not responsible for maintaining the pipes.

You need to call your landlord ASAP so he can fix the problem.

He will need to be responsible for the bill...call the water company and explain to them it's a rental, go ahead and pay roughly what your bill usually is...this isn't the time to be cheap.

Call from your cell phone so you have a record of how many times you call the LL...this is an emergency, so I would call him at least 2x per day.

If he refuses to pay and the water company is holding you responsible, file in court to have your lease terminated under "constructive eviction"...that means that there is a condition that makes the home unlivable, and I think any judge would agree that a $600 water bill is nuttier than a fruitcake.

Answer 3

The one whose name is on the bill pays it. Often water companies will negotiate.

Answer 4

That all depends.  Did you tell the landlord about the problem?  If so, did you wait a long time to do it, or did you tell him when the leak started?  If you didn't tell him, you have to pay the bill.  He can't fix something he doesn't know about.  But, if you told him when the leak started, and he didn't repair it immediately, he is responsible for at least part of it.  Part of it because you did use the water.  You should only be responsible for paying an average of what you have paid in the past.  If you usually only paid $37.00 as you stated, he should pay the balance.  I just hope the water bill is not in your name.  If it is, in order to keep your credit rating, you will have to pay it, and sue the landlord for reimbursement.