Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
Homeowner vs Homeowner
I own a condo where my plumbing pipes go through another homeowners walls. The pipes were leaking in his walls so he called a plumber without my knowledge.The plumber he called never was able to diagnos the problem and just cut and capped my pipes. My tenant called me and said she had no water. After investigating the matter I found out he had done this. In my ccr's it says I'm responsible for all utilities that service my unit. I told him I was willing to pay for the plumbing and drywall repairs. After the plumber was done and before the drywall contractor could come in, he sent me an email saying he wants compensation for his time babysitting the plumber and damages he says the plumber did to some personal belongings in the garage. We agreed before the plumber arrived that he had the free time to wait for him until the job was done. After receiving his email I told him that I was doing everything I could to get the job done in a timely matter and that I thought I was being fair in paying for it all. Now he wants to take me to court to try and get compensation. I have since called off my drywall contractor and told him to use his own contractor and money to finish the job. What do you think? Thanks for any help in this matter.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Homeowner vs Homeowner
Sounds like your neighbor is a jerk. First he tries self-help, then puts you in a bind and now wants to get paid for it. Ridiculous!
If the plumbing pipes were common and not just feed pipes specific to your unit, then the HOA is responsible. If the pipes are specific to your unit, then your homeowners insurance should cover the damage. If the idiot neighbor sues you, just tender the matter to your carrier. If you don't have insurance, then what you're doing is fine. You are NOT responsible for a stumblebum plumber that your neighbor hired. His case will get thrown out. Good luck.
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