Water leak in duplex

[Ben M.]

Hello, we had a broken toilet pump on one of the units of my duplex rental property. This caused the water bill to increase. The meter is shared and each unit usually pays half of the water bill. Who would be responsible for paying the water bill increase caused by the leak? Thank you

[Joe Scaparra]

Normally it is the responsibility of the tenant to report malfunctions or needed repairs to the landlord/property manager in a timely manner.    I find though that running toilets are not a priority of the tenants, especially if they don't pay the water bill.

If it was determine that the toilet repair was not reported for weeks then the tenant who toilet it was should pay the increase.  On the other hand you were told about the issue and didn't fix in a timely manner then it would be on you the landlord/PM.    How much extra cost are we talking?