sweet_home
New member
Hello,
One night the house we are renting started having a sudden sewage problem (all of the system was clogged) making it impossible to use the toilets, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.
When it happened, we tried to contact him immediately over an emergency number listed in the contract but didn't get a response. So we ordered a 24/7 plumber and paid 325$ out of pocket with the hope of being reimbursed afterwards.
Unfortunately, the 24/7 plumber worked for 4 hours and wasn't able to fix the problem.
The landlord contacted us the next morning and brought his own plumber who was also unable to solve the problem right away.
Eventually, it took 6 days and the involvement of the city public works department to fix the issue as it turned out to be a combined problem of a city line clog and a local broken pipe in our backyard.
During those 6 days, the landlord refused our request for alternative accommodation and also refused to reimburse us for the initial failed repair attempt by the 24/7 plumber we ordered without authorization after not being able to reach the landlord over the emergency number.
Points to note:
1. We are always on time with our rent.
2. Despite the fact that it took 6 days to solve, the landlord did seem to make an effort to address the issue in a timely manner.
3. We live in Texas.
Is the landlord required by law to compensate us for the 325$ and the house being inhabitable for 6 days ?
One night the house we are renting started having a sudden sewage problem (all of the system was clogged) making it impossible to use the toilets, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.
When it happened, we tried to contact him immediately over an emergency number listed in the contract but didn't get a response. So we ordered a 24/7 plumber and paid 325$ out of pocket with the hope of being reimbursed afterwards.
Unfortunately, the 24/7 plumber worked for 4 hours and wasn't able to fix the problem.
The landlord contacted us the next morning and brought his own plumber who was also unable to solve the problem right away.
Eventually, it took 6 days and the involvement of the city public works department to fix the issue as it turned out to be a combined problem of a city line clog and a local broken pipe in our backyard.
During those 6 days, the landlord refused our request for alternative accommodation and also refused to reimburse us for the initial failed repair attempt by the 24/7 plumber we ordered without authorization after not being able to reach the landlord over the emergency number.
Points to note:
1. We are always on time with our rent.
2. Despite the fact that it took 6 days to solve, the landlord did seem to make an effort to address the issue in a timely manner.
3. We live in Texas.
Is the landlord required by law to compensate us for the 325$ and the house being inhabitable for 6 days ?
