Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Bad Pipes

Myself and 2 roommates moved out of the house we were renting on August 31st. I had the water shut off a few days later (effective Sept 6, 2002 per the bill). Our normal water bill was $60-$70 every 3 months. Our final water bill was $635.25. I called the water company and they told me that they sent a second meter reader to confirm the reading and weren't responsible for the high bill and that myself (and roommates) or the landlord would have to pay.

If the house we were renting had bad pipes or some other reason that the bill was 10x the normal amount, legally do we have to pay it? Is the Landlord responsible? Do I have to sue and do we have a leg to stand on?

Please help


Asked on 9/27/02, 3:39 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: Bad Pipes

While copies of your past bills are proof of your average use a court will still want to know why the bill was so high and what was wrong with the pipes.The water company will seek payment from the tenants not the landlord.

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Answered on 9/27/02, 3:47 pm
Adam Bessen Law Office of Adam Bessen

Re: Bad Pipes

I know from past experience that the Water Company has a program where they would negotiate a bill that is way off normal past usage. Check with the Utility and see if they can offer you this option. Good Luck.

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Answered on 9/27/02, 4:03 pm
Randall Gilbert Gilbert & Caddy P.A.

Re: Bad Pipes

You indicated that it was the tenant's responsibility to pay for water utilities. Therefore, it is the tenant's independent obligation, (or whomever contracted with the water company) to pay their bill, unless the meter was wrong, which they contend it was not.

You will then need to try and workout the difference between your normal bill and the large jump with the landlord. However, it is your burden to prove that there was a leak and not excessive use by you or your roommate.

I would have advised you to go to the water meter prior to the water being turned off, and see if the meter was still spinning. If the water meter was still spinning and all the fixtures are turned off then it would have indicated a leak in the pipes between the water meter and the residence. Good luck.

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Answered on 9/27/02, 5:25 pm


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