Am I responsible for water cleanup from faulty pipes?
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Am I responsible for water cleanup from faulty pipes?
When I moved out of my apartment a couple months ago, I disconnected the wash machine from the water connections. While doing this, the pipe burst from behind the faucet and drywall and caused damage to the apartment unit below me. The apartment management is billing me $1600 for the cleanup from the water damage. I feel that it’s not my responsibility since I was doing something routine and that the management had faulty pipes. I read the lease and it does not require the apartment staff to disconnect appliances.
Asked on July 11, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Your defense to their claim is that the pipes were bad but they will surely try and pin it on you and try and make it like you did something worng while disconnecting the machine. I would speak with an attorney in your area once the suit begins. Good luck.
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