Water leak from meter to house. Does owner or tenant pay?

[Robert Kough]

Ok so there was a water leak about 5 feet from the meter outside of the home. The tenant notified me of the leak 27 Jan and it was fixed 3 Feb. I spoke with the water company and the leak began during the billing cycle between 20NOV - 20DEC. The bill was issued early January. Her bill at the time was 229, indicating a leak. She did not inform me until she received her second high bill from the cycle from 20DEC -20JAN, receiving the 514.92 bill end of January. I will agree to pay the first bill and for the usage from 27 Jan - 3 Feb ( when leak was fixed) but do not agree with paying for the remainder. My justification is due to the fact that her inability to pay her bills on time resulted in the leak being undetected for approximately a month! Am I right or wrong?

[Dena Puliatti]

The first bill isn't high enough to have her concerned.  The second bill is.  She notified you as soon as she knew about the water leak.  If the utility company will work with her, she may be able to not have to pay the bill, as there was a repair needed.  If the bill does need to be paid, it is your responsibility as the property owner to come to a meeting of the minds on this.  After all, it is your property, and hence your leak.