A tenant poured grease down the kitchen sink so who is responsible for the plumbing repair is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.
Dear Hank:
Turns out in checking on a stopped up sink drain in the kitchen it looks like the tenants poured grease down there. Anything we can do about this?
Is this the landlord’s problem or the city’s sewer problem?
-Sam
Dear Landlord Sam,
If the tenant causes damage to your property, then they are responsible.
If the plumbing was working fine and draining properly when they moved in, and per most leases, it is the tenant’s responsibility to “keep all plumbing fixtures in good repair.”
Check your lease-but if tenants caused drain blockage then they are responsible for the repair. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
www.rentsrq.com
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal. https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
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