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Topic starter
Good morning! I have a minor question about landlord responsibility. It has just come to our attention that the guest cottage on our rental property is hooked up to our water pump and cistern. We kept hearing the pump go off when we weren't using the water so we asked the tenant in the cottage and indeed found out that there is only one pump. We asked the property manager about it who responded via the landlord that they are not going to make any concessions for the WAPA bill as it is likely a very small amount. I absolutely do not want to make a mountain out of a mole hill here- but that doesn't seem right?? I have been a landlord in the states for years and if there are shared utilities that landlord needs to acknowledge that up front and can be forced to install separate meters. The home is also for sale so I find it hard to believe that the property manager/real estate agent was not aware of this from the beginning. Again- not looking to get into any legal battle or anything, but was just wondering if it was worth another email??
Posted : February 11, 2016 11:18 am
This is not at all uncommon here and the amount of electricity used is so negligible that it's not worth making a production out of. If you were actually paying for (metered) water that might be cause for an adjustment but this situation simply isn't.
Posted : February 11, 2016 11:35 am
Topic starter
Thanks so much- this is what I thought and I don't want to turn it into a big deal- especially if the cost is small. Appreciate the feedback!
Posted : February 11, 2016 4:01 pm
Who pays for your cistern water if you run out?
Posted : February 11, 2016 5:22 pm
Topic starter
I'm assuming we would??
Posted : February 11, 2016 7:38 pm
That's usually something that's written into the lease but, if it's not, then usually the cost of water is split between the number of tenants and would also be adjusted if, say, one tenant has a washing machine and others don't. It usually all comes out in the wash. 😀
If nothing's written into your lease then discuss it with the owner/rental agent and have any changes to the lease put into writing.
Posted : February 11, 2016 7:49 pm