Third toilet in three months

[Kay Khan]

Tenants moved in three months ago and we have already replaced two toilets in the last two months. I got a call this weekend and my maintenance guys worked on it, saying sewer line is clear but some thing is stuck in the toilet bowl. They took the toilet out and manage to get a fridge magnet out but unable to clear the toilet. How should I deal with it. Have tenants sign a responsibility letter and bill them for third toilet? Please help.

Thanks in advance.

Kay Khan

[Marcia Maynard]

Charge the tenants for damages as you go. Do not wait until move-out. Charge the tenant for clearing the lines and for all the toilets you replace, labor and materials.

Clarify in your rental agreement about drain stoppages. Here is an excerpt from ours:

DRAIN STOPPAGES: As of the date of this Agreement. Landlord warrants that the dwelling's sewage drains are in good working order and that they will accept the normal household waste for which they were designed. They will not accept things such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, wads of toilet paper, balls of hair, grease, oil, table scraps, clothing, rags, sand, dirt, rocks, newspapers, cosmetics containers, or children's toys. Tenant agrees to pay for clearing the drains of any and all stoppages except those, which the plumber who is called to clear the stoppage will attest to in writing, were caused by defective plumbing, tree roots, or a result of weather. Tenant agrees to keep on hand and properly use a plunger when necessary to unclog drains and prevent water flow from toilet, sinks and bathtub.