I just got a notice from the owner of the apartment, saying that he is "entering my house to check for a possible water leak" tomorrow. But the note was written in a quite rude way, it said "enter", not ask for an acceptable time (I know he's the owner but we live here!).
I'm guessing that my portable washing machine inside my apt is using up a lot of water..
I connect it through the faucet in the kitchen sink.
I do about 2-3 loads a day.. (big family)
but I don't know, is it illegal for me to use my own washing machine? I've lived here for 2 yrs and never got in trouble for it..
The apt has a mini laundromat but its hours are not flexible so that's why I bought a mini washing machine.
1. Is using my own mini washing machine in my apartment (in Sunnyvale, CA) illegal?
2. If it is illegal, what should I do/say when the owner visits?
2007-11-10 12:03:03 · 12 answers · asked by guess55 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The lease agreement says that "waterbeds and large aquariums" require insurance and consent from the landlord, but NOTHING about washing machines... So I didn't do anything against the rules right?
2007-11-10 13:22:49 · update #1
If you have had no leaks or backups the landlord is looking for mainly one thing. The water bill is getting up there. He may have been puzzling about this for 2 years and is finally looking into it. Someone else may have said something. It may have been noted that you don't use the laundry. One of your kids may have said something to another kid. Or it could be a noise issue. I suspect that it is something like this.
So not illegal but they will ask you to get rid of it. Though washing machines are not specifically in your lease since other things are you would not be able to argue it. They can and will kick you out if they want to. Or just not renew your lease.
I would claim ignorance. Be nice and the landlord may work something out for you. Odds are though you will have to get rid of it.
2007-11-11 03:56:22 · answer #1 · answered by jackson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apartment Washing Machine
2016-09-28 08:09:10 · answer #2 · answered by cadejuste 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, if the landlord suspects a water leak, he can enter without notice. Otherwise, only proper written notice is required, not permission or acceptable times.
It may not need to be specifically addressed in your lease to be disallowed since your apartment supplies a mini laundromat. You should have gotten permission from the landlord prior to buying/using the machine.
Portable washing machines are a huge liability due to flooding and water leak issues.
Hopefully, he is not looking for a leak caused by the washing machine, the hose burting or the sink overflowing during the drain cycle and causing damage to your the apartment or the apartment below.
If your washer causes damage, you are 100% responsible for the cost to repair the damage.
2007-11-10 14:59:22 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read your lease. It's not illegal to own a portable washer, but using it in your apartment might be violating your lease agreement. Usually leases will ban things like large fish tanks and waterbeds, which could potentially cause water damage. Your washer might be one of these things. Also, if you are running 2-3 loads per day, you are certainly running up the landlord's water bill.
The landlord can enter like this, not just to check for water leaks but also to make sure you are not violating the lease, as long as they give 24 hours notice.
2007-11-10 12:47:30 · answer #4 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
MA State plumbing codes specify proper discharge standpipe and backflow preventer. A portable washer should not be used in a kitchen sink.
248 CMR 10.10 (12) Automatic Clothes Washing Machine
12. Automatic Clothes Washing Machine.
a. Water Supply. The water supplies to clothes washers shall be protected against backflow by the use of an air gap or a back flow preventer.
b. Waste Discharge.
i. Domestic Machines.
i. The waste from a clothes washer shall discharge through an air break into a laundry utility sink or standpipe.
ii. The standpipe shall extend to a minimum height of 30 inches above the base of the machine and shall not be less than 1½ inches in diameter.
2015-04-02 03:49:13 · answer #5 · answered by Bruce 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not illegal. However, you need to read your lease! Your lease may prevent you from having it. Often, landlords cannot get insurance on a place if they allow you to have Pianos, Portable Washers, or Portable Dishwashers. They're a HUGE liability.
Also, the landlord may enter ANY TIME he or she wishes, so long as you get 24 hours notice.
2007-11-10 12:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should have gotten permission from the landlord before getting your portable machine since there is a laundromat available in the complex.
Check your lease agreement, it might state that none is allowed.
2007-11-10 12:07:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There would not be any state laws prohibiting this, but it may be a condition of your lease.
If you signed a lease, and the lease prohibits portable washing machines, he can order you to stop using it.
If there is no provision in the lease, and he tells you to stop, you could check with the Office of Consumer Protection, they oversee landlord tenant disputes.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm
2007-11-10 12:07:20 · answer #8 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In all the apartments I have seen or been in, washing machines are a definate no go, I'm not sure if illegal, but on your lease it will state, that you cannot have one, and you must abide by the lease agreement
2007-11-10 12:08:44 · answer #9 · answered by tigerashes 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not illegal. If the laundry room is unlocked and there are no signs saying "residents only", then I don't think there's anything wrong with it. The complex is probably making money off you. However, if there are signs saying that only residents can use the machines, then you need to follow them or you are guilty of trespassing.
2016-03-13 22:19:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋