Tenant's Washer Machine Hose Causes Damage and MOLD

[Amanda Lee]

Hello. At my 2/1.5 duplex, have washer and dryer connections. The Tenants bought a used washer and dryer. Got a call from them at 9pm saying there is a leak and mold is growing behind the washer and dryer. I told them to not "disturb" the area, and to send me a pic to text to my handyman/GC. Never got a pic from them but walked into this:

[I almost had a heart attack!]

My GC (who is freakin awesome) came out and determined it was due to the washer machine hose and possibly the faucet valves was not fully turned on. Apparently they did not get new hoses when they got the washer.

[We think the left one is the culprit]

How to I handle the Tenant since I am not responsible for their appliances? I know this needs to be in writing, etc. But is there a letter or template out there I can use? It is stated in my lease that I am not responsible for damage cause by the Tenant's appliances, blah blah blah.

I am in Tennessee.

Thanks!

[Joel Owens]

When I had my apartments we had it in the leases for the tenants to let us know before installing any washers/ dryers in the unit.

The maintenance guy would then go out and connect for free. We ate the cost of the stainless steel braided hoses which are a little more expensive but well worth the cost versus the rubber ones.

So many things can go wrong if the tenant installs them. They can not tighten down enough or install hoses crooked onto the valve or the washers on the connectors in the wall.

The maintenance guy puts the steel braid hoses on. We also used the plumbers tape on both ends of the washer and connector at the wall because the old threads in the wall and on the washers get worn over time. Even if you seal correctly and tightly they still leak. The plumbers tape is what creates the seal on the old threads so it will not leak. Also the discharge hose going into the wall the rubber piece tends to break or bounce out that holds it in and water can go everywhere. Instead you put an eyelet attached to the wall that goes around the discharge house and this keeps it from bouncing out and leaking everywhere from the drain line.

Knowing you have older units and possibly lower income tenants they will tend to use more hand me downs. If the washer is on the ground level with concrete then a drain pan should be okay. If the washer is on the upper level it's a good idea to have a drain pan with a tie in to the discharge line. When these old units go water can go everywhere.

Certain things you just not want your tenants doing as they can cause you massive damage.