South San Francisco, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: My low income apartment trying to charge me $29,823.14 for damage.

On Apr 2, 2021 my bathroom flooded and apparently did a lot of damage to the downstairs unit. Before the flooding I complained that my toilet kept running after flushing. The stopper in the back (inside) of the toilet wouldn't go down unless I pushed it down or kept jiggling the handle. It went unfixed. I went to the bathroom the morning of April 2, 2021 and went back to bed. I woke up to banging on my door and my whole floor was flooded. I had renters from Progressive so I thought everything would be fine and covered. I called Progressive to open a claim the net day and was told they canceled my renters month or so before the flooding because I left a paper unsigned they had sent to my email Docusign ( I searched my email and never was notified about a unsigned paper) Progressive didn't even think about calling me as this was important mail. Now 2 years later March 31, 2023 I get a final bill of $29,823.14. tied to my online rent payment account. I'm on section 8. I don't have that.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Landlords are required to maintain their rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. If your low-income apartment was flooded due to a maintenance issue that was not properly addressed by the landlord, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

It is concerning that you reported a problem with your toilet before the flooding occurred and that it was not fixed by the landlord. This could be considered negligence on the part of the landlord and may be a contributing factor to the damages that occurred.

Additionally, it is concerning that your renters insurance was canceled without your knowledge or consent. This could be a violation of your rights and may be something that you can pursue legally.

If you have received a final bill for $29,823.14 related to the damages from the flooding, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. You may wish to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law and can help you understand your legal rights and options.

It is also important to note that, as a low-income individual on Section 8, you may be eligible for legal assistance through a legal aid organization or other pro bono service.

Overall, it is important to take any legal claims related to your rental property seriously and to consult with an attorney to understand your legal options. By standing up for your rights and holding the landlord accountable, you can help ensure that you are treated fairly and that your housing is safe and habitable.

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