Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Managing Your Property
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

530
Posts
511
Votes
David Lee Hall, III
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Pittsburgh, PA
511
Votes |
530
Posts

Here's a new one - DIY sewer fixing!

David Lee Hall, III
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Pittsburgh, PA
Posted

So I have a land contract in place (being cancelled due to terms violation) on a low-end cape cod. No big deal other than tenants like to not pay. It was a rental prior to the land contract. 

When it was a rental, the tenants had a history of flushing hygiene products and clogging the sewer. I had it thoroughly snaked by a pro who found multiple clogs and removed them. No problems in 3+ years since. 

Well evidently there was a backup. So instead of perhaps calling a plumber, land contract husband, who is a GC, decided he would tend to it. Now this might now have been an issue, except he went on vacation for 3 weeks leaving his dogs inside. So the neighbor called animal control. I gave permission to enter. Aside from the filth (they usually were organized but always had a stray soda can or Hi-C container laying around from the kids) they evidently fell off the wagon since last fall when I was last inside. Roaches and filth everywhere. But the kicker, husband decided to dig up the sewer?!?! 

So code enforcement was called (and me). So now the house is not inhabitable because there is no sewer. Lovely! 

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

5,199
Posts
5,235
Votes
Scott Mac
  • Austin, TX
5,235
Votes |
5,199
Posts
Scott Mac
  • Austin, TX
Replied

So animal control called code enforcement.

Wait till they get back from vacation, dogs probably gassed by the pound, and a yellow tape across the door--unfit to occupy.

A few hours work and the sewer will probably be back in shape--but losing his dogs will probably upset him a lot.

Here's a no kill shelter network link if you ever have to deal with pets: https://www.nokillnetwork.org/

^^^Karma!

Loading replies...