In hot water over leaks

QUESTION: I own and let a ground floor unit that had a leak in a hot water pipe in the backyard. The rental manager arranged for a plumber and we got the leak fixed.

It was a common property issue but the strata manager refused to pay for the repairs then, four months later, agreed to pay half.

I decided that chasing the rest would be futile but I have now been told the tenant wants reimbursement for the additional electricity costs incurred while the hot water pipe was leaking. Where do I stand? Can I claim reimbursement from the strata manager? – Chesa, via Forum.

ANSWER: Why would the strata manager pay only half the plumbing bill, unless it was because you hired a plumber without first getting his OK. Even then, that’s only fair if the bill was twice what it should have been.

On the cost of the electricity, you’ll need an objective assessment of how much extra was paid by the tenant before you can claim anything.

This sounds like a perfect case for mediation between you and the tenant then the strata manager.  Community Justice Centres (cjc.nsw.gov.au) offer this service for free.

You’ll find the original (unedited) question and a flood of answers HERE.

 

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