Who's responsible to pay for water?

Question

This is for a California home rental that is in the country and has well water. In this scenario, it is too costly to do monthly water testing, so only quarterly testing will be done. To ensure clean drinking water, the landlord will be providing bottled water delivery, but will be passing that cost along to the renter. The renter doesn't think they should have to pay for the bottled water, but it is my understanding that the landlord is only responsible for PROVIDING the water, not paying for it. Am I missing something?

Mandy Silveira · Answer

Account Closed, the California law states that the well water only needs to be tested every 3 months, which we will be doing. The bottled water is just an extra precautionary measure. We're not passing any of the water testing costs on to the tenant. But, landlords can charge for drinkable water (which we will make sure they have). Is there a difference if it's bottled water or water out of the tap? The law just states they must have drinkable water, correct?

Dylan Vargas · Answer

@Mandy Silveira What a bizarre situation. Don't think I would ever rent a place with these type of water issues. At any rate, next time I would just add the bottled water into the cost of the rent. Therefore the tennant isn't paying for the bottled water. I think the tennant is right and the Landlord should pay if they want bottled water delivered. Just my two cents of course. Good luck Mandy!

Mandy Silveira · Answer

Yes, it's spelled out in the lease, but the renter is saying that the landlord should pay. We just may have to let this renter walk if they don't agree.

Jerry W. · Answer

I cannot speak to CA law, but the details should be clearly set out in your rental agreement.  Who pays for what should be covered for every type of utility.