Is a landlord resposnible for a tenant’s incurred expenses if water is shut off for repairs?
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Is a landlord resposnible for a tenant’s incurred expenses if water is shut off for repairs?
Recently the water main broke and the crawl space and downstairs of the house was flooded. The plumbing company came out and stated that the crawl space and downstairs needed to be drained and dried, the gas lines identified, and the water main replaced. The estimated time of repair is about 5 days. I am wondering, if I pay rent and the reason of my expenses is not of my doing and out of my norm because of this problem, is it the landlord’s responsibility to reimburse me for hotel, food, and gas expenses?
Asked on July 29, 2011 Ohio
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Read your written lease between you and the landlord. Its terms and conditions control the obligations that you each owe the other. If the lease has provisions for a debit on your rent when some systems are down then the lease controls.
If you have to leave the rented unit due to safety reasons and need for repairs due to the severity of the flooding due to the breakage of the main water line, then the landlord should reimburse you for your expenses away from the rental including motel and food.
You should speak with your landlord as to what he or she wants to do about the situation and accomodating you.
Good luck.
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