is my friends landlord responisble for taking care of a clogged drain?

Question

my friend always has a clogged drain in his bathroom and usually he pours Draino down it to fix it but lately it isn't doing any good. he asked his landlord to call a plumber but she said that it's his fault the drain is clogging cause he shaves over the sink and so he is responsible for fixing it. what do you think? she has also admitted that there is bad plumbing in the apartments AND the other bathroom that he doesn't shave in also has a slow draining sink.

Answer 1

Check the lease. If there is a clause in there that states that the landlord is solely responsible for maintenance of the property then the clog drain is the landlord responsibility. As a landlord, I would want to know if my property is not up to pare, and I tell my tenants that I want to know asap if something is wrong. Letting a tenant make their own repairs is risky. Some tenants can let their place fall apart quickly when they do not report damage. I consider the rental business an investment. I continuously make improvements on my property and will benefit in the long run.

I have done my own plumbing needs when hubby is not around. Just remove the j pipe under the sink and remove the clog (quick solution). Any plumber will tell you not to do this because it causes damage and is pricey later on. But when you get desperate you take matter into you own hands. You can also call a plumber and have the bill sent to your landlord or deduct it from your rent. I have asked my tenants to do just that.

Answer 2

It sounds like it is the landlord's problem. She should call in a plumber and get his professional opinion. If the plumber feels it is something the tenant is doing wrong then she can "put the tenant on notice" that if he continues to do whatever it is that he is doing to cause the drains to clog that she will hold him responsible in the future.
Kids in my apartment complex tend to flush toys. If the maintenance crew snakes your toilet and comes out with a toy you are put on notice the first time and you pay the maintenance workers hourly fee every time there after.

Answer 3

The landlord is full of it. Shaving doesn't clog properly operating plumbing. Does he have a written lease? What does it say about maintenance and repair? He should document his notification to her in written form via certified mail for starters. He needs written proof that he notified her.

Answer 4

As dumb as this may sound, the problem could be a clogged vent pipe from one of the toilets in the apartment building. I saw this on the website for Ask This Old House.

Answer 5

if a person is renting from a landloard its usually the landlords job to take of the problem, you might talk to a lawyer, if the problem cant be resolved. good luck

Answer 6

I would tell him to tell his landlord that if it isn't fixed that he will call the Health Dept.

Answer 7

have him call the courthouse and ask where to report her on repairs and have him ask about his rights i would tell him to move asap