Tenants failed or delayed to report water leaks

[Heather Yates]

I have a tenant in an SFR with 6 months remaining on their lease. I lived in the home for 5 years before renting it out without major problems. Just a few days ago I received a call from the local utility company regarding a large, past due water and sewer bill. Sent a plumber out who found $5000 worth of work (water main valve leak, hot water tank leak, HVAC condensation pipe removed, main line back up from laundry). Per the utility company the tenant has been behind for more than 4 month. Who is responsible for the repair costs here?

[Patrick Drury]

@Heather Yates
In Columbus OH, water charges are tied to the property. I would consult an attorney about the situation. See if you can remove the tenant on non-payment of water. The last thing you want is to probably leave them in there for the remaining 6 months if they are unwilling to pay for the water balance and the repair since water is tied to the property owner. The bill will only accumulate.