Before spending a ton of money on repairs while living in a rented house, take a minute to do some research. Did you know that part of the landlord’s responsibility is to ensure that your home is in a livable condition, which includes taking care of plumbing emergencies?
It’s okay if you didn’t know--many people don’t! This tends to be kept quiet because major repairs cost major money which can eat into the landlord’s profits. We’re going to discuss what the landlord’s responsibilities are and how to make sure they are followed. Keep reading for more information!
What Repairs The Landlord MUST Make
There are certain minor repairs that can be made to a home that does not affect its livability.
Problems like a leaky sink, for instance, wouldn’t affect whether or not a home is inhabitable.
Other bigger problems like a burst pipe will absolutely affect the safety and livability of the home.
Left unrepaired, there may be water damage to the structure, flooding that damages your belongings, or mold that grows in the wet conditions. This is definitely an example of a repair that a landlord must take care of.
To Buy or To Rent
It is still the ‘American dream’ to own your own home. However, owning a home means that you are responsible for minor and major repairs--whether it is something electrical or it has to do with the plumbing.
Although buying a home may seem like a ‘better’ financial option because you develop equity, you also have to remember all of the maintenance that costs money. Renting a home removes most of the maintenance from the equation.
Although you may be responsible for minor repairs like unclogging a toilet and repairing a leaky sink, you aren’t left on the hook for bigger problems that may be discovered when those issues are fixed.
Typically with a rental, you are responsible to repair up to a certain dollar amount. After that dollar amount is met, the landlord has to step in to make repairs or pay someone to do so.
Reading The Fine Print
Hopefully, you’ve never been in a situation where a landlord refuses to make your home livable. However, in most cities or counties, there are ordinances in place to keep residential buildings up to code.
Oftentimes, these are not enforced because people don’t know about them or the city doesn’t have enough employees to handle the job. If your landlord is refusing to pay for a major repair, attempt a legal route to force them to do so.
If the repair still isn’t made, you cannot withhold rent money to force it--this will result in eviction. Instead, find out if your area has a ‘right to deduct’ statute which can enable you to make the repair and deduct it from your next rent payment. This can be tricky and should only be used as a last option as it can make things hostile between the two parties. You should also double and triple check the laws surrounding this as to not be evicted.
Don’t Hesitate to Make The Call
If you have a major plumbing problem on your hands, the last thing you want to do is wait to repair it. If your landlord is refusing to make the repair but it is causing the home to be unlivable, you absolutely need to call Towers Plumbing (801) 266-3529.
e can help lessen the damage to your property and belongings by stopping any flowing water. It may be better to fix the problem and find another, more responsive landlord thereafter.
Do you have a plumbing story that required you to fight tooth and nail with the landlord over? Tell us in the comments!