Who Is Responsible for the Plumbing Bill....?

Question

My Tenants have clogged up the toilet and sink so I called a plumber out to fix it. Normaly this is something I would fix myself but thought it was going be more involved...I digress. anyway, when the toilet and sink overflowed it leaked through the floor and into the kitchen ruining the ceiling. I want to know If I am responsible for the bills or is the Tenant. We don't know what caused the toilet to block and the drain was apparently full of hair!
Thanks for your input.

Answer 1

In order to hold the tenent responsible, you would have to prove that they did something that caused the problem. Since you don't know what caused the plugged line, you will have to bear the cost.

Answer 2

If your lease states they will take "reasonable" care and will not damage or cause to be damaged the property. Then you would get the plumber to write a statement that the cause of the back up was directly due to the tenant, send the bill and demand notice via certified mail, and then file a civil suit to recover the damages paid. you may also have grounds to request additional security deposit in some states. The below website should offer additional information.
Hope it helps

Answer 3

You are responsible. It is your property. Next time add a provision to the lease about clogged fixures and any damage caused by them being the responsibility of the tenant.

Answer 4

I would get new tenants! But they should be responsible for part of that if not all. If the roof needs to be fixed that's your fault. Paint for the outside you again.
But plugging up a drain? That is there fault.

Answer 5

with the owning of property comes responsibility (and debt)..

you are responsible.....

good luck :)