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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    2

    Default Is a Tenant Responsible for Water Damage from a Leaking Appliance

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

    Good afternoon my question is concerning water damage and whom is responsible for paying for repairs.

    In my rental unit the landlord provided a washer and dryer, one day I noticed some water under the washing machine so I contacted the property manager, upon further review there was water damage under the tiles, there was a leak from the washer and/or pipes. Not sure how long the water leak existed.

    Ten or so tiles were replaced, the replacement tiles were smaller than the original tiles, but the property manager okay-ed the use of the smaller tiles (1/4 inch smaller), the company that replaced the tiles laid the tile but of course the tiles didn't line up and there ended up being many cut tiles to cover the damaged area. The owner of the property file an insurance claim but was denied.

    Then it was decided that the replacement tile didn't match the old tile so they want to take that tile out and replace all the tiles to match - another 15 or so tiles (25 total tiles). Now the property has told me that I am responsible for the damage and they want me to pay for the first repair work and also to replace all the tiles - costing several thousand dollars. Neither the property manger nor the owner ever did any maintenance on the washer. I do not have renters insurance.

    Who should be responsible for the repairs?

    Thank You in advance for your responses.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    1,991

    Default Re: Landlords Washing Machine and Water Damage

    have they given you a justification as to why they believe you are liable? other than them not wanting to pay.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Landlords Washing Machine and Water Damage

    Seems the reason is the owner doesn't want to pay, so the property manager is looking to stick me with the bill. The property Manger mentioned the lease but I could not get them to identify specifically where in the lease - did not get a response. The lease has the standard language which the tenant would pay for damages due to misuse, waste, or neglect. I notified the Property Manager once I became aware of the leak, not sure how I could have noticed the leak as the water was under the tiles.

    - - - Updated - - -

    There is language in the lease that the tenant shall keep the fixtures in the House in good order and repair: furnace, walks. The washing machine is free standing.

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