Should I ask my tenant to pay for this?

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Should I ask my tenant to pay for this?

Jeffrey Chang
Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 19 posts · 3 votes
Hello.
I have a rental property that I manage.
Tenant complained of sewer smell coming from the basement so I called a plumber to come out.  The plumber found that a cap covering the sewer pipe was opened by boxes that tenant placed next to it.  Nothing was broken.  The plumber sealed the cap and charged $79 for trip fee.
Should I ask tenant to pay this bill since the problem was caused by the tenant?
Thank you.

JC
1Reply
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Scott M.
Real Estate Broker · Rochester Hills, MI · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
5y

@Jeffrey Chang How sure are you the cap was on and sealed?  Have photos?  Anything to prove that was the case?  Maybe it was on but not sealed and when she moved some boxes down there it was knocked off because it wasn't sealed?

if you are not 100% sure I would not charge them 100%.  I would do the same at @Theresa suggested and do 50/50.  You will forge this, a lot of tenants won't.  Little things like this can mean a premature turnover.  Not staying 2 or 3 extra years, will just leave after 1 year is up because you charge them for things you are not 100% sure about.  $40 bucks now could cost a tenant turn.  Not saying this will happen of course but may be penny wise/pound foolish. 

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    5y

    I would tell him that someone took the cap off and he was the only one with access to it (if that is true) and offer to split the bill 50:50.

    2Reply
  • Scott M.
    Real Estate Broker · Rochester Hills, MI · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    @Jeffrey Chang How sure are you the cap was on and sealed?  Have photos?  Anything to prove that was the case?  Maybe it was on but not sealed and when she moved some boxes down there it was knocked off because it wasn't sealed?

    if you are not 100% sure I would not charge them 100%.  I would do the same at @Theresa suggested and do 50/50.  You will forge this, a lot of tenants won't.  Little things like this can mean a premature turnover.  Not staying 2 or 3 extra years, will just leave after 1 year is up because you charge them for things you are not 100% sure about.  $40 bucks now could cost a tenant turn.  Not saying this will happen of course but may be penny wise/pound foolish. 

    4Reply
  • Julie Hartman
    Property Manager · Denver, CO · Member since 2021 · 667 posts · 587 votes
    5y

    @Jeffrey Chang You will have a difficult time proving it was tenant caused. However, I would have a quick (friendly) conversation with the tenant about keeping the area free from clutter or the next one may be on them. 

    1Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    5y

    If there's no concrete evidence they're at fault, I usually err on the side of caution and offer to split it or let it go. Regardless, use this as a learning opportunity for the tenant and remind them they may be responsible if a problem is caused by their negligence or abuse.

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    2Reply
  • Matt Devincenzo
    Investor · Clairemont, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    Things like this I just cover and use as a learning opportunity for next time. Many of my tenants have been the unaware and uneducated...but also willing to text a photo of the problem and try something if I coach. So in my case I've fostered that so they will at least call me and try before I call someone. 

    2Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y

    @Jeffrey Chang a cap covering a sewer pipe that can be knocked off by a box?   A broken pipe next to an obvious pile of their boxes ok charge but don't those caps screw on?   It is as likely to be your previous plumbers fault as the tenants if it is that easy to knock off. just my thoughts, I didn't see it.

    3Reply
  • Jim KalishPro Member
    Real Estate Investor · Matthews, NC · Member since 2017 · 219 posts · 173 votes
    5y

    @Colleen F. I would be grateful they called you quickly so you could fix it. Sewer gasses contain methane and are flammable. You could have lost the house. If you charge them for something that you can't definitively prove was their fault you would be sending the wrong message. You want to know right away about things like this, critters in the attic and small leaks. Addressing them early saves a lot of money. If the tenant is worried they are going to get charged everytime they call you they will ignore a lot of things you will want to know about. Educate them and say thanks for letting you know.

    0Reply
  • Javaras Thomas
    Rental Property Investor · Miami, FL · Member since 2021 · 107 posts · 38 votes
    5y

    @Jeffrey Chang I would say no, but definitely warm them that if they cause another issue they’ll be responsible for it.

    1Reply
  • Matt M.
    Specialist · Easton, PA · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    @Jeffrey Chang

    Not worth typing this post over $79. Tell the tenant to keep their crap away from it, next time it’s in them.

    3Reply
  • Michael King
    Rental Property Investor · Navarre, FL · Member since 2019 · 913 posts · 640 votes
    5y

    Only $80. I'd let it go, personally. That's a cheap education for you on that pipe. I've paid a lot more to learn a lot less.

    3Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y

    @Jim Kalish   I think you meant to address the Original poster @Jeffrey Chang not me. Just click on the person you want in the drop down list.

    0Reply
  • Michael Robbins
    Property Manager · Henderson, NV · Member since 2018 · 501 posts · 317 votes
    5y

    @Jeffrey Chang I would charge the tenant if you are certain there was not other way for the cap to have come off besides the tenants actions.  If the cap was not secured property to begin with then that would be a different story. 

    0Reply
  • Jeffrey Chang
    OP
    Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 19 posts · 3 votes
    5y

    I really appreciate all of your feedback.  I agree with all of you.   Thanks again.

    0Reply
  • Michael Plante
    Deland, FL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    Tenent cause a sewer cap to come off by placing a box next to it?

    Tenants can be VERY vindictive years after they feel they were taken advantage of 

    If it were me I would be happy it was an $80 bill from a plumber. VS a letter of Notice of Intent to Sue by an attorney for providing an unsafe rental where children have access to a sewer cap which was improperly put on 

    0Reply
  • Nick Barber
    Member since 2021 · 18 posts · 22 votes
    5y

    MAKE THEM PAY

    0Reply
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