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?

[John Dehn]

I had them contact the city and provided them the invoice from repair to help but the city said they won't credit for excess usage. They will correct for sewer fees because those are set Jan-Mar, but water usage is what it is. I'm considering helping on cost because they're potentially going to buy the property from me at the end of their lease, so trying to keep the relationship amicable. Considering offering $200 now and pay the balance as a closing credit if they wish to buy the property at the end of their lease.