Outrageous Utility Bill in House Hack

Outrageous Utility Bill in House Hack

Investor · Hampton Roads Area, VA · Member since 2022 · 33 posts · 12 votes

What's up team. So I'm hacking my second home, and my first water bill came at $611. My toilet in one of my tenants' rooms was running for about half of the month. I was able to call the water company and get half of the bill sliced due to a forgiveness that they allow once a year. The next part is where I need some expertise.

I knew about the running toilet PRIOR to closing, and did two final walkthroughs before closing. On both walkthroughs, the toilet was still running. I delayed closing after the first walkthrough due some bigger items, but still put in our final contract that they would be responsible for completing any leftover items post-closing. After moving in, I even reach out to the builder's assistant, as I have a 1 year builder's warranty. This was something I listed in my items to be fixed. Spoke over the phone once with her, and sent her an email detailing everything, as instructed. Even followed up, and received no response. 

Do you think I am able to request the builder's pay the portion of this remaining half that is over my actual usage, as the water company told me that their system showed it running prior to my closing, and since I have docs to prove it that we requested this be done (once I make contact with them)? It's only $305, but it's a $305 that I feel I'm not responsible for. Thought this would make a good toolbox addition, so I decided to post it, what are my options?  

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  • Investor · Clairemont, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    So first since it sounds like this is new construction, that makes a big difference in the response. Existing home resale with an individual seller just move on and don't worry about it. But since there is a new build warranty it's possible they'd cover it. So I'd send a very simple request for them to cover the additional costs you're incurring due to their delay in fixing the issue they're responsible for. 

    That said I would fully expect them not to actually pay, but it may help motivate them to actually fix the issue quickly. By notifying them now you do two even more important things 1) establish that they knew there was an ongoing issue and it was incurring unreasonable costs you can't otherwise avoid (financially damaging you) 2) demonstrated that you tried resolving the issue directly with them before needing to fix it yourself to minimize your damages (if it gets to that). Both of those things may be important if you seek further reimbursement, especially if you end up having to make a claim in court to be compensated. 

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