I have a 4 plex that has needed the main first floor drain professionally augered/cleaned out twice in the last 12 months. It backs up on the first floor out of the drain and through the bottom of the 1st floor toilet. My plumber recommended to tell tenants to only put toilet paper down the toilet & nothing else. Also, the sinks all have garbage disposals. What is the best way to explain this to tenants and enforce?
Investor · Reisterstown, MD · Member since 2015 · 56 posts · 20 votes
6y
Through putting appropriate language in your Lease Agreement. Charge them. Depending on the market, even use language leaving habitual damage being subject to eviction.
Attorney · Carrollton, IL · Member since 2020 · 65 posts · 14 votes
6y
@Rick Michaels Yes, your lease should address “plumbing” issues. The lease could obligate the tenant for such costs in certain situations, too. PM me for specific lease language, if needed.
I would literally tell them that. what they don't get is their rents will go up to cover the extra charges. I'm assuming the blockage is far enough down that you can't trace it to a single unit.
Investor · Normal, IL · Member since 2017 · 89 posts · 75 votes
6y
In my lease I say, do not flush feminine products, flushable wipes, flushable kitty litter, etc. If they do and a plumber is needed, the cost is on them. Verbally, I say that if it's not toilet paper and they didn't eat it first, it doesn't get flushed.
Rental Property Investor · Edmond, OK · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
6y
I have a plumbing addendum to my lease. It is it's own separate piece of paper that states that tenants are responsible for damage and charges occurring from putting grease, sanitary items, diapers, wet wipes, paper towels, other foreign materials or harmful substances in the plumbing. It also outlines that they are not to use draino, liquid plumber, etc.