Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

Tenant Responsibility for Damages to Property

My nephew in Georgia recently moved out of a condo (1 month before the lease was up) he was renting, but left a washing machine hooked up until he could find a place to store it. Upon going back to his old condo/apartment, he discovered that the washing machine had leaked and caused damage to the walls and hardwood floors. The landlord employed a plumber who determined that the leak was from the washing machine or connection. (The washing machine had been purchased and professionally installed several months before by a national chain store.)

What responsibilities does he have for the damages, not withstanding his possible recourse against the store that installed the washing machine?


Asked on 12/19/03, 1:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Tenant Responsibility for Damages to Property

Generally, one is responsible for the damages they (or their property) cause. This appears to be the case here. Whether you can recover from someone else is usually not going to prevent the apartment from recovering from your nephew.

It would be the rare case to recover from a store or installer. These things leak and rupture all the time, and it is generally viewed as part of ownership. The general rule (never followed, even by me) is to turn the valve off after every wash. Leaving them unattended will likely prevent any recovery. Also, stores generally protect themselves from such damage in the sales agreements and contracts.

Definitely a case for renters insurance, if he had it.

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Answered on 12/19/03, 2:00 pm


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