Is it legal for my landlord to charge me for a non-emergency repair without talking to me first?

Question

My landlord brought a plumber over to install a new faucet (upon my request and with my knowledge), and while the plumber was here, he also checked out my toilet, bathtub, etc. He flushed the toilet, and apparently some cat litter and other stuff came out of the toilet. I have been using flushable cat litter. He then decided to snake the toilet to solve the problem, and my landlord charged me about $100 for the repair.

I had not been experiencing any problems, and this was not an emergency repair (ie toilet was not overflowing, spouting water, etc). Maybe the plumbing system was old and I shouldn't have been flushing kitty litter, but I was not knowingly doing anything wrong and my landlord did not attempt to solve this issue with me beforehand.

Is this legal for her to do? How, if possible, can I avoid having to pay these charges?

Thanks!

P.S. If it makes any difference, I'm in Washington, DC.

Answer 1

Go back to your lease and review it on repairs.

Answer 2

Litter came out when he flushed the toilet. Which means it was not flushing properly and might have been ready to overflow. I would talk to the landlord about splitting the cost but you should pay at least part of the cost as it was the litter causing the problem.

Answer 3

Just go ahead and pay them. The same thing would have happened when you moved out & they did your inspection.



Don't ever flush cat litter. Save your grocery store bags, every day, scoop the litter into a bag & tie it shut. Throw it away. We take out our trash every 1-2 days, so we've never had a problem with bad smells.

Answer 4

If your renting an apartment, you are responsible to call the plumber and pay them in your own pocket but If you renting a room Your lanlord is the one responsible to take care any plumbing problem. If no agreement tell her to goto hell. you can even sue them. If theres an agreement then make sure you check on it.

Answer 5

sounds to me like he scammed you.been flushing cat litter here for years.you shouldnt have to pay it anyways if your renting i always thought.he does.he pays for the repairs because he owns it and you do not.you dont put money into something you dont own.you could but that would be your choice

Answer 6

depends on your lease.how ever all repairs that you cause can be charged to you.for as shaking the crap out of the john that's problem.unless it was stopped up.if i were you i would see a lawyer.you will be building her a new house before its over.

Answer 7

nooooooooooo