Tenants delayed reporting a leak and now want flooring replaced

Tenants delayed reporting a leak and now want flooring replaced

Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hi all, I have an investment property in LA (my old house before I got married and moved). My tenants moved in in March and are annoying but pay on time, so thus far it’s been fine. However, last week the toilet started leaking and apparently leaked every time they showered - but they waited more than four days to report this to my property manager. They finally told him on Friday of Labor Day weekend. We were able to get a plumber who cleared the main sewer line because of tree roots clogging it. Unfortunately, now there is a stain on the carpet near the bathroom and they are claiming the room smells moldy and musty. They want the flooring replaced. My PM is having a handyman come check it out, but I’m really peeved because they may have caused this damage by waiting to report it! What are my best options here? Thanks so much in advance. 

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
7y

My lease is clear: if the tenant fails to report a maintenance issue and it results in damage, they are liable.

I would hire a professional to clean the carpets and possibly replace that section of pad if there are signs of mold. I would charge that to my tenants for failing to report and allow the problem to grow.

This might be an indication you need to get rid of the tenants.

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  • Luke CarlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    7y

    @Sheila Bee lots of moving parts here. First of all... toilets don’t leak because the shower is on so there’s a red flag. 

    Why are you so involved if you’re using a PM? Why not call 1-800-Local-Plumber and get the job done yourself you’ll have better luck. 

  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    7y

    I'd try and have the carpet professional cleaned to see if they can get rid of the  smell and the stain

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    My lease is clear: if the tenant fails to report a maintenance issue and it results in damage, they are liable.

    I would hire a professional to clean the carpets and possibly replace that section of pad if there are signs of mold. I would charge that to my tenants for failing to report and allow the problem to grow.

    This might be an indication you need to get rid of the tenants.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    7y

    @Sheila Bee  I agree with the others about having the carpet professionally cleaned.  Meanwhile for the smell, they can put some baking soda on it, let it sit for a bit and then vacuum it up.

  • Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    Thanks everyone for the helpful responses so far. The handyman is coming out today to take a look and he has a wet dry vac so he’s going to give that a whirl, and maybe lift up the corner of the carpet to see what’s under there. I need to read over my lease but putting in a paragraph like the one suggested above about failing to report promptly seems wise - I’m going to do that for the next tenants. 

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