Leak and High Water Bills

[John Dehn]

I own and self-manage a property that recently had two drip valves break causing excessive water usage for January, February and March. Water bills for the property at typically in the $50-60/mo range but range $150 for January, $350 for February and $480 for March. Tenant is responsible to pay all water bills and inform me of repairs and maintenance in a timely manner. I was informed of high water bills on April 1 and had the problem fixed across April 7-8. Tenant is also responsible for all landscaping.

I covered the cost to repair the valves and now tenant is asking me to pay for excess water usage due to the broken valve ($700-800). Although I don't feel like I'm legally obligated, I'm trying to come up with a solution that works for both sides. I think one could argue January wasn't excessively high but I should've been immediately notified when February's bill was posted (March 7) so I could fix timely. To that effect, I'm thinking of offering to cover half of the excess usage ($500 for Jan/Feb - $100 Normal Usage = $400 split in 2). March would be sole responsibility of tenant due to lack of notifying me.

Does this seem fair? What would you do?

[Theresa Harris]

Tell the tenant to call the water company and see if they can work something out. If the tenant wasn't bright enough to clue in that there was a problem after getting January's bill and especially February's bill, then there isn't much you can say to them.  

Had the tenant let you know after they got the January bill and the water company didn't work out a deal with them, I might pay 50%....but the tenant dropped the ball big time and I wouldn't reward that behaviour.  I also like the suggestion of a $200 credit at the end of their lease.

Call the water company and find out what happens if the tenant doesn't pay-do you get stuck with the bill or does it follow them?