Broken Sewer Line

[Rosalie DiPietro]

On Saturday, 6/29, in the late afternoon, for the second time within two weeks, the sewer trap was backing up....thank God for leak sensors.  Contacted sewer company with whom I have a contract /insurance again.  The came and this time did a video inspection....the sewer line is broken.   The sewer company tells me that it's covered however, they need to file for a permit to dig through the NYC DEP (manages the water and sewer lines) on Monday morning, citing that it may take several days.   

This is a two family, tenant occupied property.  I had to tell the tenants that they could not use the faucets/washers/toilets otherwise the sewage would back up onto the basement floor.  They went to go stay with their nearby relatives but I do see them coming in/out of the house through the security camera.   The apartment is inhabitable, just no water/toilet access.

Luckily, the permit was issued by late Monday afternoon.  However, there were other jobs ahead of mine and water leaks are a priorty over broken sewer lines.  After waiting another day, on Tuesday I was told that the repair would be made on Friday, 7/5....the July 4th holiday added to the delay.

My tenants have been understanding.  This situation was beyond my control and I took quick, aggressive action.  My tenants know that when they call me with an issue, I act swiftly to resolve the problem.  One tenant however, did refer to having their rent pro-rated by the number of days that the situation would last.

There is a clause in both their leases that they are responsible to carry renters insurance to protect their personal belongings against fire, theft, flood, loss of use etc.  However, none of them purchased it.  I'm wondering now if I should manate it....that's another issue.



What would you do?