I am hoping someone can give me some advice. My tenant has lived in the house for over 2 years; a few months ago the girlfriend moves out and a bunch of the guy's buds move in. Okay, fine so far I say, as long as they pay the rent so I renewed his one year lease on March 5 2019.
All of a sudden on March 25 the tenant texts me that his water bill is $1100 and has been rising for the last 3 months. (I should mention that I always have my tenants put utilities in their names) We both suspect a leaking toilet and when I go over there that's exactly what I found - both upstairs and downstairs toilets floats are mis-adjusted causing the water supply to never shut off. I showed him where the water meter is and I showed him how I am adjusting the float valve to stop the flow of water when the tank is full enough. Before I leave we both take note that the water meter dial isn't moving at all. Everything looks good.
April 3, tenant texts me that he has been checking the water meter and everything looks good but he would like $200 off the rent. Thinking that this is a one-time lesson for the young guy I respond I am not taking $200 off the rent because of his late response to all of this mess.
Now, on April 26 the tenant text me again that he has just gotten a $1200 water bill and needs the problem fixed immediately (well apparently he can wait until Sunday the 28th - his choice) and would like to "review this situation properly".
Help, how do I deal with this? Can I evict the problem for neglect of the premises?
thanks,
John
All of a sudden on March 25 the tenant texts me that his water bill is $1100 and has been rising for the last 3 months. (I should mention that I always have my tenants put utilities in their names) We both suspect a leaking toilet and when I go over there that's exactly what I found - both upstairs and downstairs toilets floats are mis-adjusted causing the water supply to never shut off. I showed him where the water meter is and I showed him how I am adjusting the float valve to stop the flow of water when the tank is full enough. Before I leave we both take note that the water meter dial isn't moving at all. Everything looks good.
April 3, tenant texts me that he has been checking the water meter and everything looks good but he would like $200 off the rent. Thinking that this is a one-time lesson for the young guy I respond I am not taking $200 off the rent because of his late response to all of this mess.
Now, on April 26 the tenant text me again that he has just gotten a $1200 water bill and needs the problem fixed immediately (well apparently he can wait until Sunday the 28th - his choice) and would like to "review this situation properly".
Help, how do I deal with this? Can I evict the problem for neglect of the premises?
thanks,
John