Plumbing Issues in a Rental: Who Pays?

It can be embarrassing to contact a landlord for a blocked toilet. In a rental property, however, it’s usually a requirement that landlords schedule and approve repairs or service. What’s not so clear is who foots the bill; the landlord or the tenant? While landlords are generally responsible for most repairs, there are a few wrinkles to be aware of.


Who Is Responsible for Plumbing Repairs in a Rental?

Landlords are responsible for all major plumbing repairs, general maintenance, and replacing parts and fixtures unless specifically stated otherwise in the renter’s agreement. A rental property’s plumbing system includes more than toilets and sinks, which means property owners are responsible for:

  • Major repairs (broken pipes, leaks, etc.)
  • Water heater maintenance (regular inspections, service, and replacement when necessary)
  • Sewer system maintenance (replacement, removing blockages, etc.)
  • Code compliance (ensuring the property meets local building codes, which may require equipment replacement to stay compliant)

How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix Plumbing Issues?

Depending on where the rental property is, landlords have between 24 hours to 7 days to fix any plumbing issues that significantly impact the property’s habitability. Gushing leaks, broken sewer lines, and other emergency plumbing problems should be addressed as soon as possible. Less immediate problems, like small leaks, usually need to be fixed within 30 days. Check your state’s landlord-tenant regulations for the exact requirements.


Plumbing Problems Tenants Should Handle

Tenants are usually responsible for addressing minor leaks and clogs. If you can fix it with a plunger or drain snake, go for it. Tenants should also take responsibility for basic maintenance of the home’s plumbing system. That really means using common sense, such as:

  • Regularly clean fixtures, bathtubs, toilets, and other bathroom components
  • Don’t put grease, coffee grounds, or other potentially damaging items down the sink
  • Don’t flush baby wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products
  • Prevent hair from clogging drains
  • Report any plumbing issues promptly to prevent lasting damage

Read more: The (Many) Parts of a Toilet


Who Pays for a Blocked Toilet in a Rental Property?

If the tenant gave unclogging a toilet the old college try without any luck, they should ask the landlord to contact a plumber to clear the blockage and inspect the toilet line for damage or leaks. That raises a bit of debate over who pays for the plumber, the tenant or the landlord?

In most cases:

  • The landlord will pay for unclogging a toilet if the clog was caused by wear and tear, tree root damage, or a structural issue within the property’s plumbing system.
  • The tenant will pay for unblocking the toilet if they caused the clog by using too much toilet paper, flushing non-flushable wipes, or otherwise caused the problem.

Plumbing is the landlord’s responsibility unless the tenant’s actions (or bowel movements) caused the problem.


Avoid Plumbing Problems in Rentals with a Bidet

Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water, but using too much significantly increases the risk of clogs and expensive repairs. Installing any kind of bidet is a quick, easy way to reduce toilet paper use and lower the chances of an untimely clog – and the awkward phone call between landlord and tenant. Plus, bidets are an affordable upgrade that makes any rental property more attractive to prospective renters .

 
Find the Right Bidet for Your Rental Property

Reduce the risk of costly plumbing repairs in a rental property and spice up the bathroom experience. Our line-up of bidet seats, attachments, and toilets mean there’s a perfect match for any space. They’re easy to install and use and offer a superior clean too. Start your search by taking our Bidet Quiz or comparing models today!