Toilet running / tenant apathy

[Wesley W.]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any lease language that you use to transfer responsibility of excess water use to the tenant?

Some context: I have a clause that says...(g) Water may not be wasted. Washing of vehicles is prohibited. Garden hoses may not be connected to bath or kitchen faucets. Water leaks must be promptly reported to us.

I have an outgoing inherited tenant with whom the relationship has always been strained. The main water meter head in the MF building was displaying a leak icon (water supply to the units are not separately metered; bill is paid by me). I traced it to her toilet, which had been running for at least 3 days based on the water rushing down the drain pipe in basement (which at the time I thought was rain draining from the flat roof). I know my water bill is going to be a kick in the pants.

I'm not sure if this was intentional, or just "hey the toilet is running - I don't give a s**t because I'm moving and will be long gone when his bill comes."

Anyways, I'd like to at least attempt to create some type of perceived responsibility in my lease for this kind of behavior, which can cost the landlord thousands of dollars if gone unnoticed (water billed quarterly).

Thanks in advance!

[Scott Mac]

Hi Wesley,

If you're serious about finding leaking flush valves and faucets quickly, maybe offer $20 off the rent for each one reported.

Good Luck!