The water flowed from the kitchen and flooded the whole house within two hours.(It happened in the middle of the night) Now the wood flooring buckles up like the road hump and seems likely it will split into two soon. The landlord wants me to compensate for the damage.Is he at fault or is it my fault? Should not he check that everything is in order when he rented the house to me?I am just a person who knows how to turn on and off a tap.I don't know anything about pipes, does it constitute a misuse of the facilities?After changing the water valve, it was discovered that it had rusted internally.So now, can yahoo users tell me in your opinion who is in the wrong?Help me solve my predicament.
2006-08-01 03:42:05 · 5 answers · asked by abc 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If your dispute with the landlord escalates into litigation, the judge is going to consider precedent law and evidence. The best evidence, in your case, would be a lease agreement that spells out the responsibilities of lessor and lessee. Look for any clause that pertains to this incident and places the onus on the landlord.
It would be a good idea to obtain some documentation on the defective water valve, like a signed and notarized statement from the plumber, or the device itself. It never hurts to visit the clerk's office at the courthouse, and solicit some advice or direction. You'll be surprised how much info you can glean from a friendly visit.
Once you are reasonably certain that you would prevail in the event of litigation (I believe that you would) you are ready to approach the landlord with confidence and ask that they fulfill their responsibilities and put your home back in order. My gut tells me that your landlord is bluffing, and attempting to intimidate you. But case law and evidence are the prevailing factors, and this will require some due diligence on your part to decide just where you stand.
2006-08-01 04:02:18 · answer #1 · answered by Elwood Blues 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First get a book of tenants rights. You are not responsible for damage you didn't cause. If you had a big wild party and some one turned a hose on the floor then its your fault. A valve is his responsibility and he can't make you. Once you say " well your going to have to take me to court for that because its not my fault and I wont pay it" then he will back down.
as for the floor.
It will have to be all torn up and redone and he has to, by law, do it in a reasonable time and if he asks you to leave while it is being done and you have a lease he has to supply and pay for your place to live. ( if your in the united states)
Penny Babson
http://www.impressionsbypenny.com
2006-08-01 03:50:03 · answer #2 · answered by officeofimpressions 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have your landlord call his insurance agent...the leak was from HIS water piping system, and damaged HIS home. If you have renter's insurance, (which you should) call your agent and let him battle it out for you. Your agent will have all the laws and knowledge to get around any balogna the landlord might try to give you. Otherwise, seek legal representation. Wood flooring can be expensive to replace.
2006-08-01 06:03:40 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Landlord should pay for damages from a defective plumbing system, including the floor. Tell him you will get a lawyer and sue him for the damage plus your lawyer's fees, which will be more then the damages.
2006-08-01 05:32:11 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The owner's problem in my opinion, If possible hang onto that rusted valve until this thing is settled. It is a strong argument for your side.
2006-08-06 12:16:22 · answer #5 · answered by luther 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋