Re: basement drain backup = no rent? - Landlord Forum thread 345097

Re: basement drain backup = no rent? by Garry (Iowa) on May 21, 2016 @14:08

You need to get ahold of that video ASAP and see what it shows. Its highly unlikely that the T is doing anything wrong. This may be just one of those unfortunate events that happens, and may cost you several thousand $ to repair. Yes, they have the right to withold SOME rent until you give them a habitable unit again. But only an amount commenserate with what they cannot use in the home. The unit must be totally uninhabitable, and they must not stay there if they want to withold the entire rent. In my opinion, witholding half the rent for each month (If they are staying there watching TV, on their computers, or sleeping or eating there), that would tell me the property is partly inhabitable. That all being said, you really should schedule maybe another company to scope out the sewer, and schedule a company to come in and dig up and replace the sewer, or at least the part of it that may be collapsed. You may want to allow the tenants out of their lease early, before one of you decides to file a law suit against the other. Remember, this is the LLs responsibility unless or until you can PROVE the T is negligent in some way.

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Re: basement drain backup = no rent? by anon on May 21, 2016 @16:33	[ Reply ]

"until you can PROVE the T is negligent in some way" How would one suppose the tenant cause the collapsed drain?

Re: basement drain backup = no rent? by Anonymous on May 21, 2016 @19:38	[ Reply ]

If they cant bathe or shower without the basement flooding then the landlord is not living up to the terms of the rental contract. Its not habitable. Fix it, and smooth things over with your tenants. Even if this is their fault, which it isnt, your property is being damaged by the flooding. YOUR property. Spend your time getting it fixed instead of planning a pissing contest with the tenants.

Re: basement drain backup = no rent? by fred (fl) on May 22, 2016 @13:49	[ Reply ]

I would meet a plumber and have them show me the video as they run the camera down the drain. Many of these guy are dis-honest. And carry a video that shows roots or damaged pipe to sell a job. Also depending on what size cable and head they use to go down a stopped drain. A 5/8 cable don't do much clearing of a 4" drain pipe stoppage for a long term repair. But if it turns out the drain is damaged. Replace section or the whole line if you can afford it.