Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Do I have to pay for clog drain?
My son, who lives in Pittsburgh,Pa. Is renting a third floor appartment with his girlfriend while they attend school. The drain got clogged and the landlord had to have it snaked to clean it out. It cost $40.00 and the landlord says that he has to pay the bill because his girlfriend has long hair. Is he responsible for the bill?The lease says that the landlord would be responsible for all maintance.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Responsibility for Damages in Rented Unit
The responsibility for damage repairs are fixed by the terms of the lease agreement. If the landlord had the responsiblity to make repairs, it is his obligation. However, there may be terms in the lease that state that a tenant is responsible for damages caused by his negligence. Unless the landlord can prove that the clogged drain was caused by hair, I believe he has to absorb the cost.