landlord advice needed

[eyeontheprize]

Until a year ago we always owned a home, but we had to move in the bubble, so we rented.

Our landlord is a nice guy. Our rental has plumbing problems.

Things backed up a month ago and roto router was necessary. Things backed up tonight and the landlord said this time it was on our dime since we are putting things down the drain that are clogging it. He is mistaken, in fact we are way more careful here than we would be in a home we owned. And no home I have ever owned had troubles like these.

What to do?

[KitchenWitch]

1. Pay for it, keep the bill

then contact the local tennant's union, to see what you can do to get reimbursed by the landlord.

[EFerrari]

2. Check the law first. Depending on where you live, he could have

a period of time to either fix it or re-emburse you.

[eyeontheprize]

3. It's got to be fixed

and he has been a dream about repairs so far. I think he really believes we are at fault, but he is wrong.

The thing is, how can I show that I'm not clogging the drains?

[EFerrari]

4. Well, a plumber would be able to tell that you're not

and write up an invoice in clear English about whatever the problem is that he had to fix. If your landlord is a good guy and he finds out it was something else, it will work out.

But, I'd try to get as much as I possibly could get in writing -- even an email from the landlord -- so that he can't claim later that he didn't know about the problem. Can you get a fax or email from him?

[sbj405]

5. Short term - I think roto router is usually guaranteed for a year. Check your paperwork

Long term - document everything. Check the rental laws in your area. There are certain things that must be provided.