Who is responsible for burst pipe?

As much as tenants would want to be free from obligations on repair costs, if they’re responsible, they’re responsible. Someone will figure it out so it’s best to come forward and claim that it’s your fault.

Yes, do not let the insurance company have the last say on who is at fault. Of course, they will try everything to minimize their cost. So make sure to have your own adjuster to offset any false claims or allegations coming from the landlord’s insurance company.

Oh wow! Problems such as these set the stage for another epic battle between insurance companies. I’d love to see who wins!

If the landlord does not have an insurance company, he’d probably giving you a hard time before he fixes it. He’ll want to know whose fault it is before he shells some money out of pocket. I also know this is where most complaints filed against landlords come from.

Being a landlord myself, I understand how frustrating it is for a tenant to have to live with burst pipes. I do the repairs myself but I don’t cover the damage to your personal property.

If it was really the landlord’s fault, why won’t you cover for the tenant’s damaged personal property? If you can’t pay it, can’t you at least offer a reduction in rent? That’s just not fair.

When you signed the lease agreement and it was clearly stated there that damage to personal property will not be covered regardless of who’s fault it is, you agreed to it. So you cannot come back and ask for refund to damages. That’s not how it works. Besides, that’s why you need renter’s insurance. You cannot just let a landlord take all the responsibility.

Right. The damage would not have been big enough to damage your personal property if you’ve been proactive in telling your landlord about the problem in the first place. Even the smallest leaks could result in the biggest damages.

My insurace states that it will not cover damages in the basement so if the burst pipe happened in the basement, I would have to use my own money to cover for the repairs. I’m hoping your landlord has better and more comprehensive coverages.

As a tenant, you were given the keys to the rental so that means the landlord trusts you. If there are repairs that need to be done, please tell your landlord right away. This way, the cost will be smaller and the damages will not be as much. This is especially the case if the landlord does not live onsite and couldn’t come to visit and inspect the property for repairs.

If the leak is in the basement or in between the walls, how do I know? I am very busy and nobody is in the house when I’m at work. So obviously, I only knew about the problem when it got worse and mold started to develop due to the moisture. Can I still be held liable?

That’s a tough question. But surely, you would know if there is a burst pipe even if you’re very busy. Don’t you hear any drips or notice the formation of moisture along the walls? The way I see it, you’re just using your “hectic” schedule to dodge your responsibilities.

There was a leak in the upstairs apartment that got worse. It ended with us having to pay for the replacement of the entire ceiling, change of pipes and the tiles. Apparently, the tenant was aware of the leak but never informed us. So we made her responsible for the damages.

Can I also ask for damages because of missed work?

You’d have to check your lease agreement, state tenant laws and insruance policy (if you have one) to get an answer to that question.