Q: Can landlord charge for repairs with no proof my appliance caused damage?
Moved into apartment 7 days ago. On day of move in, used washing machine once. Not used since. At the time of use, I ensured all connections were secure and there were not any leakes. Washer worked fine, no water on floor after use. Then last night, 6 days later my neighbor downstairs knocked on my door and said his ceiling is caving in. Maintainance comes into my apartment and states my washer leaked downstairs. Leasing office calls me shortly after and said I'm responsible for repairs because my washer leaked from the connection from washer to wall. I explained there weren't any leaks. No water on my floor near washer. I have carpet around washer, if washer were leaking, my carpet would be been damaged. No carpet damage. You can clearly see the connection from washer to wall. When I turned water on, no leaks. Leasing office stated maintainance cut water off due to faulty equipment. My washer connections were not leaking. Can I be charged for the damage? Could it be a pipe issue?
A: Could be. it's not a legal question as much as a plumbing question. Refuse to pay and, if it goes to court, get a plumber to examine the washer in place and then testify. Take plenty of pictures.
A: They can definitely try and it sounds like they will. Refuse to pay and provide supporting documentation as to why you are refusing. Depending on how far they take it you may need to hire a lawyer to defend you in the process-but first refuse and support your reasons for doing so. Take lots of pictures, of the carpet, the pipe etc. if you can have a plumber conduct a free or cheap estimate and write up an opinion do so, and provide that as part of your supporting documentation as to why you aren’t paying for the repairs. Review your lease and see if there are any terms/provisions that help you in there. Have a neutral third party, maybe your neighbor, view the carpet/pipe and sign a statement as to what they saw/didn’t see to provide with your documentation as well.
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