Should tenant pay plumbing charges?

Question

My plumber just called an informed me that the toilet drain issue was caused by too much tissue being flushed at one time. He cleaned the tub and bathroim sink drains, which were slow, and he pulled out hair and rubber bands! How do I get the tenants to pay the $200 bill for their negligence?

Kyle J. · Answer

@Johnny Lynum  This is one of those things that will come up from time-to-time, and should be addressed in the lease agreement.  For example, my lease states "Tenant shall be charged for repair of drain blockages or stoppages, unless caused by defective plumbing parts or tree roots invading sewer lines."

So for me, it would be pretty easy to determine who would pay in the scenario you described (the tenant).  I would suggest you check your lease agreement to see if you have similar verbiage that might address how this should be handled.  (If it doesn't, definitely consider adding it in the future.)

Steve Morris · Answer

Agree - First warning, then charge if it's more than once a year or so.

Next thing, go to COSTCO and buy every container of DISPOSABLE baby wipes and destroy them.  Those are the biggest offenders on clogs.  Make sure your tenants understand in writing and acknowledged - DISPOSABLE is NOT FLUSHABLE!!!!!

Dave Poeppelmeier · Answer

Agreed, it should be in your lease. I always discuss it during the move in process, that if there are drain plugs that are found to be their fault, they pay for the plumber. I've had to charge it a few times and nobody has ever pushed back, especially since your plumber has "evidence". If they do push back , then give them their warning and document it, so next time you can just say here's the bill.

Johnny Lynum · Answer

@Steve Morris Luckily she doesn't have any little ones. But, baby wipes can add up over time!

Tom Mills · Answer

@Steve Morris That is a good reminder. We have a young tenant with a new baby and I'm not sure she even knows this.  Although I do have the Clogs statement in my lease. Thanks

Johnny Lynum · Answer

@Dave Poeppelmeier thanks! Having it in writing and understood upfront will be my way forward for all my future tenants. I need to make sure my property managers use it as well!

Johnny Lynum · Answer

@Kyle J. Thanks! I'm going to definitely add that language to my contracts going forward, so it's understood from day one.

Johnny Lynum · Answer

@Jaron Walling thanks for the feedback! It puts in perspective. I had the main drain cleared last year with alot of hair. I'm going pass a warning this time and look at adding to all my leases in the future and share expectations upfront.

Jaron Walling · Answer

@Johnny Lynum Unless this is a multiple offense situation I'd give the tenant a written warning and move on. Keep the bill for taxes and property maintenance deductions. If the property is cash-flowing the tenant "paid" for the plumber anyways.

Should tenant pay plumbing charges?

Most Popular Reply