Tenant Attempted Plumbing Repair Without Notice

[Teddy Johnson]

I just received a maintenance request after the tenant decided to fix a clogged sink. The tenant cut off all of the under sink plumbing to remove the clog and then realized he doesn’t know how to put the pieces back together. 

My lease states that he must bring to my attention all repairs in writing and that all maintenance except yard and driveway are the responsibility of the landlord.  

Now that the tenant has made the situation worse, I need to replace the damaged pipes. The cabinets are partially ruined also as the tenant didn’t think that once a pipe is removed that the water would drain into the cabinet below.  

Is this a bill back situation?  A few years back same tenant had the same problem and the clog was a cheap fix (grease and food). 

[Julie Hartman]

@Teddy Johnson Yes, this is a charge back to the tenant repair. I would also remind him that what he did could be considered a lease violation and the next time may result in termination of the lease.