do i have to pay for a hole in the wall, that I didnt put there?

Question

Do i have to pay for hole in wall, that i didnt put there?
I have an issue with my landlord, she wants me to pay for something that isnt my fault. The washer and dryer hookups were faulty when i moved in, and i didnt know that. So the water leaked all in the wall to my kitchen, which led to a 3x3 ft hole being cut into my wall behind my fridge. And now she wants me to pay for the guy that came out to cut the hole in the wall, because I thought it was my fridge leaking (all the water was under the fridge). So you can see how I came to that conclusion. But I dont think that I should have to pay, it was faulty hook ups that made the water leak not my washer. Does anybody know where I stand legally? Do I have to pay? resources please, thanx.
P.S. I rent from my landlord and there is nothing about it in my lease.

I called my landlord, told her there was water under my fridge, she then called the repair man who cut the hole in the wall. Once agian there is nothing in my lease about this kind of situation. thanx

The hole in the wall DID NOT fix the problem. I did not want a hole cut in my wall. But the guy that my landlord called, said it was the only way to find out what the problem was.

Answer 1

When we rented we always called the landloard for any problem.
If he told us to get things fixed I would ask for him to recommend the repair man. When the repairman came I would ask the landlord to be there. The landlord knew what was going on and he was the one who would OK any repairs and then pay the bills.
I do not know how you went about doing the repairs and if you would be responsible or not....Sorry...

I would think since it was a problem with the plumbing that it would be the landlords responsibility but I will bet that he is not willing to pay the bill now....

Answer 2

Who called to have the repairs made? If you did you pay as it was an unauthorized repair. If the landlord called/hired him she pays for it.
Check your lease as to who is responsible for repairs. Without checking this (the fridge) no one would have known about the real problem. In most cases landlords are responsible for all repairs that are a result of defects in the unit (like faulty faucets.) Whether she likes it or not when you have a leak it may take some trial and error to find the leak. This includes cutting the wrong walls or ceilings and having to patch them after.

Answer 3

If it is because of a faulty hook up, then it is the landlords job to get it fixed. I would call your local housing authority. I don't know how the law works where you are. Here, in, Oregon, we have the Housing Authority that will help look into matters like this. I'd move out and fight it. If she won't fix that, she won't fix anything else. Try talking to the owner, if she is not. Definately find somewhere else to live. You could always call the health department. Where there is a water leak there could be a mold problem.

Answer 4

I'm clear that the leak was caused by the plumbing, but I'm not clear on the hole.

Apparently you ordered the hole cut. Did it fix the problem, or was it an unnecessary hole?

If the hole was cut for no useful purpose as a result of your mistakenly believing it was your refrigerator, it's your hole.

If the hole was cut to reach the actual problem, it's her hole.

Now, if it was her hole and NOT an emergency, there's some justification to her only paying what she would have had to pay, given that she may have an arrangement with some contractors. That means if it cost $100 and she can honestly get it done for $80, and there was no reason for you to call for the repair, she should pay $80 and you should pay the $20.

If it was an emergency, it's all hers.

Answer 5

The hookup that was at fault is part of the building. The repairman was called by the landlord. You have no control over either the plumbing or the repairman. If anyone is responsible to pay for the hole it would be the repairman that was called by the landlord. The repairman found out where the leak was coming from even though it was not from the refrigerator and I assume corrected the problem. He was called out by the landlord and the landlord should pay for the repairman.

Answer 6

Repairs due to structural problems (faulty hook-ups) are the responsibility of the owner, not the renter. The hole was cut to fix the plumbing. That is clearly the owner's responsibility.

Answer 7

If you hired the guy to fix the fridge
without asking to telling the landlord,
then you are responsible. If the landlord
hired the guy to come and check your
fridge, then he is responsible.

Answer 8

I'm thinking your landlord, but she is going to try to take it out of your security deposit...make sure you document EVERYTHING, pictures, a notarized statement from the repair guy etc. you are going to need it when you go to court to get your security deposit back.

Answer 9

It comes right out of your damage deposit. Sorry that just the way rental property laws work.