All Forum Posts by: Matt B.

@Jonna Petti would you use a property manager or self manage your rental?

@Jeff Bridges you are totally right. I didn't really think of it that way.

@Ola Dantis I agree 100%, I have been in constant communication with my tenant on this and luckly we have a good relationship!

@Jeff Bridges If they didn't get the renters insurance but the lease agreement requires it, then wouldn't they be personally responsible for the damages?

@James Wise All I can say is I hope that isn't a unit you own. But I definatly understand what your saying.

@James Wise very well put. I understand what your saying. I was always under the opinion that I'm responsible for the unit itself and must make sure everything is in working order. I guess that opens up the question of where does it end? I'm responsible for the wiring of the house and making sure all appliances are working, but what if the tenant doesn't pay the water or gas bill and the utilities company shuts them off? Yes I am providing them a service but does that mean I have to pick up the bill to keep those services on?

@Mike Cumbie I get what your saying. My tenants are required to have renters insurance as per the lease but to be honest I'm not sure they actually did get it but the agreement does require them to have it for instances like this. So thats on them if they didnt get it. The water was down for just shy of 24 hours. I haven't been able to get back on to give an update in a while so apologies for that.

@Andrew B. Would the HOA have responsibility here either? There is a bank owned foreclosure in the building and a pipe burst before the unit main but still inside that unit. The guy below called 911 when water started coming in his unit and the city fire department came and shut down the water that feeds 9 units. The next shut off before the unit main is the main that feeds 9 units. Since the pipe broke in between the unit main and the main that fees 9 units, they had no choice but to shut down 9 units or water would continue to pour out. Since the problem stemmed from inside a unit, I would think its the unit owner or in this case the bank that would have sole responsibility here? I would think the bank would be responsible for all damages both physical and financial.

Once the board and property mgr got wind of this, they called a plumber to enter the bank owned unit and fix the pipe.       

Hi Guys, thanks so much for the feedback. Luckily the HOA was able to get it resolved ASAP. They stepped in and repaired the foreclosed unit so the water can be turned on.

@Wilson Lee @James Wise@Michele Fischer I do find it weird that I am responsible despite the fact the city had to shut the water down until the foreclosed unit is repaired. If I was living there I wouldn't get a break on my mortgage payment or the bank wouldn't be putting me up in a hotel. All my pipes and appliances are working perfectly (knock on wood) but if the city comes and shuts down the main to the entire building, I cant see how that's my responsibility? 

Hi All,

I own a rental property in a condo development in NYC. One unit a few condos away is vacant (owner was foreclosed on). There is not heat in that unit and the water pipes keep breaking. As a result, they had to shut the water down to about 9 units until the vacant property is fixed. Currently my unit that is rented out has not had water since 7pm on 1/8/18. Also, we have base board head which runs on water. The property management company for the complex has been trying to get a plumber in since it happened but as of now, no plumber has come.  My unit has working pipes and working HVAC but since the main has been shut off, my water has been shut off along with 9 other units. I know NYC law says landlords must supply heat and hot water but this is beyond my control. Am I liable for this?

Thanks!

@Brianne H. Wouldn't the plumber's insurance cover any damage that happened?