Water damage to a Verizon box, who is responsible?

Question

I got a call yesterday at 4 PM about a plumbing issue in the upstairs shower that leaked all of the way to the basement.  Got that fixed last night, but the tenant tells me the water leaked into some kind of box that Verizon put on the wall in the basement and that the Internet no longer works.

Now, in my ideal world, Verizon fixes this for free (riiiiight).

The tenant is the one who setup Internet through Verizon (not a problem but not standard, I'd guess Comcast supplies 90%+ of the residential Internet around here), and I'm pretty sure this box was installed after the tenant moved in.

So my question is, who is responsible for this?  The tenant or the landlord?

Account Closed · Answer

If the leak was the tenants fault it's their responsibility. If the leak was your responsibility and you knew about the Verizon box and it wasn't against the lease its your responsibility. If installing the box required your permission and they didn't get it, it should be their responsibility, but...I'd have the tenant call Verizon and see if they'll fix it (or for how much). Even if the box was installed without your permission if the leak was your responsibility you may want to coverage the damages if you value this tenant. Good luck!

Marcia Maynard · Answer

As I see it, you won't know why the internet is not working until a Verizon technician or other qualified person examines the root cause of the problem. It may be related to the water leak or it may not. We do not supply telecommunication services, but our tenants may provide for such... their choice. But we would have been there for the install and would have knowledge about how things are attached to our building. If the root cause of the internet problem was a water leak from plumbing that I am responsible to maintain, then I would pay for the repair.

Jon Holdman · Answer

You're probably talking about the modem/router/switch that's typically installed for internet service. Comcast would have installed a similar box. The tenant may be leasing it from Verizon or may have bought it. So, certainly starting with Verizon is the right answer. If they won't cover it, you have a quandary. This box is just another tenant possession. Could have been something else that was damaged by the water. Renters insurance covers tenant possessions. But their deductible may be high enough that they won't get anything. Consider, though, if had been something else. Would you be thinking about paying them? If they fridge fails, and they said they wanted $500 for the lost groceries, would you pay them? These all seems like the same question to me. I don't think you are obligated to pay for their stuff that gets damaged as a result of a problem with the property. OTOH, if the cost isn't too much, and they are good tenants perhaps offering to split the cost. And using this as a teaching moment for the virtues of renters insurance.

If it was a modem/router/switch, they may not have to use the one Verizon provides. Verizon probably has a list of compatible ones, and they could buy one anywhere. That may be cheaper than buying or leasing one from Verizon.

If it was a modem/router/switch, they may not have to use the one Verizon provides.  Verizon probably has a list of compatible ones, and they could buy one anywhere.  That may be cheaper than buying or leasing one from Verizon.

Will Johnston · Answer

Thanks, all.  Yeah, I'm not 100% sure what it is.  I'm assuming it's either a junction box of some sort or (more likely) a modem/router/switch as you mentioned, @Jon Holdman .  I had to work late last night and all day today, so I'll be headed over right after work to check it out.

While technically according to my lease, the tenant has to ask to make modifications to the property, something like hanging a modem on a wall is kinda like hanging up a phone; I'm not sure whether that really qualifies as a modification.  So, to answer @Marcia Maynard and Account Closed , I didn't have any idea it was there, but I'm guessing it's not the sort of thing anyone would think to call their landlord about (although I obviously can't be sure until I see it).

Again, assuming it's a router/modem, it does seem more like personal property than part of the building.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

@Will Johnston FYI... from the Verizon website:

"Someone over the age of 18 must be present during installation. The installation time can vary depending upon equipment that may already be present. Drilling may be required, and our skilled technician will work with you on the proper placement.  Landlord permission is also required if you do not own the property."

You may want to add something to your rental agreement to prevent future problems. Here is a sample from ours:

"AERIALS/ANTENNAE/CABLE/DISH.  Tenant agrees to not install or cause
to be installed any aerials, antennae, cable, dish or other telecommunication
equipment without prior written consent of Landlord.  Such installation, if not done properly, could result in
structural damage.  Landlord or
Landlord’s representative must be present at all installations."

Kurt Kwart · Answer

I would ask the tenant to call Verizon.  Ask for approval if there is going to be a cost and wait to hear back.

or

Tell them to get Comcast!

Water damage to a Verizon box, who is responsible?

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