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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    1

    Default Leaky Roof Ruins Television

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

    I got home form work today to discover the rain leaked through the roof of my rental property and ruined my 52" HD tv. I do not have renters insurance.

    My question is this:

    Is the Landlord responsible to maintain the property in such a manner that the roofs do not leak? And if so, is he then responsible for replacing the tv?

    I notified him as soon as I got home and told him about the leak but by then it was too late... the damage was already done.

    Help!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    252

    Default Re: Leaky Roof Ruins Television

    No. Unless the landlord was aware of the problem prior to the leak, you have no recourse. This is why renters insurance is so important.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    1,995

    Default Re: Leaky Roof Ruins Television

    I agree with the other reply.

    As landlord, I add a clause in my lease that says 'The landlord is not your insurer, and cannot anticipate all ...etc., etc., which is why the tenant is REQUIRED to carry Renter's Insurance, and must provide a "certificate of insurance" within 30 days of occupancy, and on lease renewal.

    There was a rainstorm, the tenant claimed his clothing was ruined, so I told him to file a claim with his "renter insurance", since he did provide me with the "certificate" when he rented up. Then the wise guy told me he cancelled the insurance because he got it just to get the certificate, and the lease.

    As much as I hated to do it to someone who just suffered a lost, when he said he was going to sue me, I said "go ahead", and commenced "eviction proceedings", for his failure to honor the lease, namely NOT having "renter's insurance".

    In another case, the tenant claimed his belongings were stolen, also failed to obtain "renter's insurance" as required. In this case, we settled for $800.00 on the advice of counsel, but notified the tenant that his lease would not be renewed because of his failure to obtain "Renter's Insurance". His move cost him more than the $800 he received, plus it disrupted his studies as he was in the middle of some "college final" exams.

    At any rate, what I tell the tenants is the law, that I am not their insurer. What I said in the lease, their initialing the addendum acknowledging their responsibility to obtain "Renter Insurance" is nothing more than to put them on NOTICE, don't come after me for your 52" TV's, diamond rings, or fur coats that you plan to keep in your units.

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