Who is responsibl for a water bill – the tenant or the landlord?
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Who is responsibl for a water bill – the tenant or the landlord?
I recently received a $600 water bill as a result of a leak outside the apartment that I rent. Although my landlord was responsible for repairing tthe leak, the water authority tells me that since the bill is in my name, so I am ultimately responsible for the debt. Do I have any recourse with the landlord?
Asked on July 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If the water bill is in your name then technically you are going to be responsible. That does not mean, however, that you have no recourse against the landlord if it was his failure to fix a leak that caused the bill to be high. You need to advise the landlord, in writing, as to the issue and ask that he pay it or reimburse you. If he does not then you may have to seek to sue him for it. With holding the money from the rent may not be a good idea. Good luck.
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