Charging Tenant for Damage They Caused

[novicelandlord]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: New York

I rent a room in my home to a tenant who regularly flushes dental floss and other non-flushable items. She has been a problem tenant on a number of other levels and we aren't on good terms. I have had to call a plumber once to deal with the drain in the house being backed up and she continues to flush things. My question is how do I notify her/make it reasonable for me to charge her if a plumber needs to be called again? Is notice in writing of the damage and the cause of the damage sufficient?

[Mr. Knowitall]

Put a provision in your lease making her responsible for any such expenses, consistent with state law and applicable local ordinances.

If you can prove that the problems are caused by the flushing of non-flushable items you can try assessing the plumbing cost as 'damage'.

This is a month-to-month tenancy?

This person is renting a room - this bathroom is exclusively for their use (and that of their guests)?