2 weeks ago it was FREEZING here in Chicago. Can my landlord make me pay for the new pipes. I didnt have any heat and all the pipes froze. He says its my fault. Is that right what can I do??
2007-02-22 04:59:08 · 14 answers · asked by ? 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Pipes burst in my house, and I HAVE heat! I'm in MI. If you are responsible for the heating of the home, make sure you get a professional to write down exactly why the pipes burst. They could have been old, leaking, and may not be your fault Entirely!
2007-02-22 05:04:44 · answer #1 · answered by valerie s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to what some people believe, the building owner is not responsible for EVERYTHING that goes wrong with the building, and can hold you responsible for damages you are deemed to be the cause of. This is one of the reasons a security deposit is taken.
From what I gather, you allowed the apartment to get to the point in which the pipes froze in the wall/ceiling. To me, that makes you negligent in this case.
On the other hand, if he is obligated to provide heat to your building (again, check your lease), and its his fault you had no heat, then you are not at fault.
Your only defense would be to prove that it wasnt your fault that the pipes burst (they were already corroded, they werent the proper pipes for that climate, etc).
Chances are, he has already had a plumber tell him that the probable reason the pipes burst is because the temperature in the building was an unacceptable degree, and chances are, the arrangement is for you to pay for your own heat and utilities.
2007-02-22 05:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by M O 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Unless you did something bizarre I don't see how he can. The landlord is responsible for the building. If you left for 2 weeks and left the heat off maybe he could blame you. In an apartment building how would you decide who's fault it was anyway? Did you report having no heat? If not he might be able to blame you but I still wonder about that. You need to get some legal advice.
2007-02-22 05:04:11 · answer #3 · answered by MissWong 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-18 08:43:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It is the property owners responsibility to maintain the property in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code.
You don't owe them anything except rent.
A person renting an apartment is not renting the pipes that surround that apartment and therefore is not responsible for what happens to them during a cold weather period. They are renting and responsible for a unit of space walled in from the water pipes, sewer pipes, electrical lines, gas lines and phone lines.
2007-02-22 05:33:04 · answer #5 · answered by murkglider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should call a lawyer and ask about tenant laws. I think it would depend on the reason for not having heat, if it was your fault that your heat was shut off, than you would probably be responsible for the bill, but if it was beyond your control I don't see how they could say it was your fault.
2007-02-22 05:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by FlyChicc420 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you DELIBERATELY allowed the temperature in the apartment to get to such a low temperature that allowed the pipes to freeze and burst, then yes he can charge you the repair bill. but if the heat is his responisbility, or part on the regular rent, no it is on his shoulders ... it's a very simplified answer, but the full issue can get very complex,
call a local attorney who can do a free consultation.
2007-02-22 05:11:51 · answer #7 · answered by Shrek'shandsomeidenticaltwin 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nah dont pay him, you coulnt help that you didnt have heat tell him to take you to court meanwhile i would be looking for a new place to live
2007-02-22 05:08:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
was the no heat a result of your actions...or a result of the weather/power company......if it was through no fault of yours...then his homeowners insurance should pay it....I'd say it's probably in your lease that you maintain proper heat etc.....but if it was due to power failure..then it can't possibly be your fault.... Guess the answer lies in who was at fault for no heat....
2007-02-22 05:40:43 · answer #9 · answered by Shelly B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you notified him that you lost heat, then it was his responsibility and not your fault and you shouldn't have to pay. If you did not notify him, then it is your fault and you have to pay.
2007-02-22 05:07:42 · answer #10 · answered by cowabunga mama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋