How reasonable is it to ask PM to split the bill here?

[Lewis Kerwin]

Hi there,

I have a SFH for which I just received word from PM that city is demanding a $1000 water bill.

Context is that this SFH had tenant abruptly leave without notice last september. It was empty for 9 months while repairs were done, then was on the market, then required further repiars to meet Section 8 inspection and re-inspection. Apparently, at some point during this, the toilet started running, which led to the water bill. I feel like PMs perhaps should have caught this and that it may be reasonable for them to pay half of this bill. when I suggested this on the phone, the PM seemed somewhat insulted and suggested that in that case, they'd likely need to pass me on to a different PM. They citied having already split a $500 cost with me (out of about 5k repairs in past year) and feeling held hostage to this property if I insist on their covering costs that come up. I don't want to terrorize my PM, but I also don't want to be taken advantage by them. How much would an owner typically eat this cost versus insisting PM bear some responsibility? At what point would I want to find a different PM in this situation?

Thanks much!

[Bill B.]

Why are they getting the water bill instead of you?

Is it $1,000 for 9 months or one month? (Did they have 8 opportunities to spot it or zero?)

As mentioned many cities will give you a one time credit if you have it repaired. Though usually that’s a main line leak in my experience. 

Yes you should pay it. But you should get a new PM anyway. 9 M0NTHS without a tenant? 9 weeks is unacceptable. You’re worried about $1,000 when the vacancy probably cost you $20,000?