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property management rules and codes
this is odd but i need someone who knows a little something about when it comes to hiring plumbers.
I rent a two bed, two bath place and we continually have plumbing issues. we have the standard low flush/low consumption toilets which clog ALL THE TIME, even to the point to where even a standard plunger cannot unclog it. Well ive had a leaking tub faucet for the past month and called my management company to fix the leaking THAT, but also asked to have the plumber check out one of my toilets as well (just a quick look to make sure theres nothing legitimately wrong with that toilet ) my question is, it is normal or fair for the property management to charge ME for the plumber to come out to fix the faucet?
last time i called to have management send a plumber to unclog my toilet, (cause my son flushed the toilet paper spinner down it) i got charge 400 bucks! just for that! and he did the same thing i just asked this guy to do. i soooo dont wanna get charged 400 bucks because i also asked him to check out my toilet while he was here fixing the leaky faucet. = / i cant afford that.
can they do that?? i know that theres certain things that THEY have to cover, but idk if they can try to pin the toilet thing on me, there was nothing wrong with the toilet, he said he would let them know that. The toilet just has a small throat and clogs easier then the better toilets.
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You would have to read threw the renting contract you signed to see who is responsible. Normally no that is their job to pay for that. I don't from someone who doesn't do repairs because I'm renting because I don't want to own my home I don't want to have to worry about the fridge being broke etc I call my land lord tell him what's wrong he fixes it you could possibly take the management to civil court to pay you back for what you had to pay I would send the bill with my rent money to the management.
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Normal wear and tear is not something that a tenant would have to cover themselves. My advice is to take it to a human rights tribunal and see what they can do to help you. It sounds as though you are being charged unfairly.
Good luck with the toilet. Every Queen or King needs a throne!
Miss Piggy
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It's possible that they think you are causing the toilet to block unnecessarily (by your son flushing things down it) and that is why you are being charged. Most management companies will pay for plumbing within reason. You should check your tenancy agreement and see what it says about general maintenance and/or plumbing.
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Well seeing that it is property management--it should be up to them to take care of their property. I suggest you contact the manager of the entire property company instead of the owner. Explain your concern and he/she should be able to do something about it.
Last year, my brother moved into an apt that was infested with fleas. He proceeded to contact the manager of the apt company instead of the owner and they were able to take care of the cleaning and fees.
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It depends what is in the contract that you signed. But normally that should be covered under your renters agreement. So if you have a copy I would look over that but if you do not have a copy then ask to see the original. If they do not give you the original to see it is your right to see it so then you can take them to court.
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Plumbers - much like auto shops - I would assume charge for any parts necessary plus their time. Cheaper plumbing is usually around $20/hr, plus any parts they used. If they didn't charge for both, they'd go out of business.
So yes, depending on how long it takes to fix the faucet and check the toilet, and how much the parts cost, it would be possible to spend $400. It's unfortunate, but it's the only way they can make a living off of it.
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What does your lease say? You know, the legal document that you and your landlord agreed to - that thing. Fish it out and read it.
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Without specific knowledge of your lease or any other particulars I would be inclined to assume management would have to take care of these issues at the landlord's expense. As far as the the toilet paper spinner, since they actually found an object lodged in there they felt it was the tenants responsibility, which I am sure you have no argument with. My advice for now would be to go to a hardware store and invest in a plumbing snake. Make sure they explain how to use it properly and you should be able to take care of the clogs yourself. I had one of these toilets once too(hate 'em)so I bought a small covered garbage can and instructed the family to place used tissue in there (after properly wrapping it and placing it in a plastic bag with a tie). I know it sounds nasty but unfortunately unless management is willing to replace the toilet you will probably never be able to flush paper down it. I put a stick up air freshener inside the can and changed the bag every day. I wish I had better advice (hopefully someone else will)but this is how I had to handle it! As far as the leaky faucet it should be their responsibility 100% but again I do not know what type of lease situation you have. If they say you are responsible it really isn't hard to replace a washer or even the entire faucet for that matter. You can go to youtube and get very detailed tutorials on fixing just about anything. I don't know where you live but $400.00 would be very excessive in my area for the services you described. If you don't want to try the DIY method then I would call a few different plumbers out of the yellow pages and inquire about their hourly rates. I think you got gouged by the one management sent, but I would make the calls just to be sure! Good luck!
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