Sewage back-up on first week of possession

[llee]

Hi,

I took possession of a condo townhome (reno project by a builder) last week, and the tenants moved in the next day.

Everything went fine, until I got a call from the tenant in the morning last week that the whole ground floor was wet (including hardwood), due to sewage back-up. I went there and he was mopping the place. I immediately called the on-site property mgmt and a company came to snake the drain.

Because of the mess, I gave my tenant a LCBO gift cert for his cooperation.

This morning, my tenant called me and said the same thing had happened. The builder manager called me explaining that since it`s an older building/drain system, sewage backup could happen. But a FULL drain of the entire site will be done in a few days. The property management has arranged someone to mop the hardwood floor and a sewage company to snake the unit drain as a temporary solution.

After the sewage company has left, my tenant called me saying the sewage contractor left the place in a mess (ie, dirty shoe mark, cigar butt, etc). I assured him that I will track it down, and file a report to the builder or property management.

The questions I have are:

1) For tenants, should I compensate him again for his time lost and the mess? He has been a good tenant for the past week and reported any issue in the townhome. Should I reduce the rent next month?

2) For builders or property management, should I file a complaint that the drainage should have been done properly before I take possession, not after? Also, for the dirt and mess left by the sewage contractors, should I even bother to complain?

Any advice is appreciated.

Lucas

 

[CarlaJohnson]

What a lousy mess.

a) Yes, compensate him again. Do not reduce the rent.
b) - Yes, file a complaint that the drainage wasn`t done before you moved in, but once you take possession of a place most of these problems become yours.
- File a complaint with the sewage company and tell them you expect them to clean up the mess. They may. They may drag their feet. They may not. You may have to clean it up yourself.

Good luck!

 

[dplummer]

Keep in mind that any thing the sewage comes in contact with must be discarded including hardwood flooring. The condo insurance should cover all of the repairs.

Doug

 

[llee]

QUOTE (dplummer @ Jan 18 2009, 05:36 PM) Keep in mind that any thing the sewage comes in contact with must be discarded including hardwood flooring. The condo insurance should cover all of the repairs.

The sewage covered the hardwood floor slightly. After mopping, there`s no apparent damage. Since the builder covers the work in first 3 months, they said if the hardwood floor pops, they will repair it.

What other symptoms will I see after the hardwood floor is damaged by water?

Thanks.

 

[dplummer]

It`s what you don`t see if it`s sewage. Micro organism`s can make you sick. Check with the Health Board or local Property Standards. If was "clean" water from an interior water supply pipe that`s different. Look for cupping, a lifting or raised edge on the hardwood. Either way if it`s not dried properly mould can form between the back of the hardwood & subfloor underneath.

Doug

 

[Debbie]

QUOTE (dplummer @ Jan 20 2009, 06:15 PM) It`s what you don`t see if it`s sewage. Micro organism`s can make you sick. Check with the Health Board or local Property Standards. If was "clean" water from an interior water supply pipe that`s different. Look for cupping, a lifting or raised edge on the hardwood. Either way if it`s not dried properly mould can form between the back of the hardwood & subfloor underneath.

Doug

Sewer backups are serious! It must be cleaned up properly due to the bacteria from the sewer matter and possible mold. I had a sewer back up in my basement. All the carpet and lino was removed and drywall was cut 4 ft up the wall. The floors were pressure washed with a special cleaner to kill bacteria and molds. Hardwoods are the only thing that can be cleaned if not too water damaged. Any type of pressed board material is garbage. I would contact a flood restoration company and have them inspect and make sure it is cleaned up proper...if it is not there will be health concerns for the occupants and possibly future costly repairs if mold and bacteria is growing under your hardwood or in the walls.

Debbie