Tenant didn't report running toilets
I am new to being a landlord and want some advice here. I got a water bill that is normally around $65 a month that was $400 this month for a rental property. When I sent my property management group to look at the meter, the tenant told them that the toilets have been running non-stop. He failed to report this so we could correct it. Last month the consumption was 29K+ gallons and this month we are already at 10K gallons and looking at another $400 bill I am sure. Since he failed to report, is he liable to pay the high bill? The property group hasn't responded to me and I would like to get a general consensus here.
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If Landlord is the one receiving the water bills, the first high water bill should have been the big "red flag" that there was a leak. I realize Landlord wants to blame the idiot tenant, but Landlord must also accept some of the blame. And yes, sometimes the water company will give you a one-time break on the inflated bill. In the future, educate all your tenants that they MUST immediately inform Landlord of any leaks.
Just curious, what was the tenant's excuse for not reporting it? Remember this when it comes time to renew their lease.