Tenant's Maintenance Obligation - Bathroom Water Damage

[Nadeim M.]

Hello, 

My tenant recently informed me that the painted wall adjacent to the bathtub/shower wall has water damage to it and the paint is bubbling. The damage is caused by water traveling from the top of the bathtub, along the tile grout lines, and to the paint. He is asking me to repair it, and has expressed concerns about black mold. This was a newly painted and undamaged wall prior to his move in in June 2020. This appears to be negligence on the part of the tenant by allowing the water to escape from the tub over an extended period of time. Proper placement of the shower liner tends to prevent this, as this was not an issue with prior tenants. Thoughts, or personal experiences you can share on how this can be dealt with, as I feel this is a cost the tenant should incur for repairs to my rental unit? Thanks. 

[Colleen F.]

@Nadeim M.  I disagree with @Frank Chin  I have seen lots of bathroom without tile halfway up the bathroom wall. Sure it would be nice but this is a t

ypical tub and there is 6 inches of decking around the tub and tile outside the tub.  Fix it but let them know that proper placement of a shower curtain will avoid this. 

I would also look at if installing a splash gaurd on the tub would help. Sometimes the pitch of the tub deck and how the shower head tends to hit the deck isn't great for some tubs.