Who pays for $1700 water bill of burst pipe in recently rented property

new tenant been there 2 months only . They eceived $1700 water bill as there was a burst pipe that was not visible as it was leaking under fully concreted driveway and was only noticeable when water finally surfaced . Concrete had to b cut to repair .
Also leaking garden tap that was immediately reported but agent took a few days to send plumber
Who pays the $1700 water bills when usually they r $200 ,
Does the tenant or landlord pays $1700 water bills ?
Thanks

 

Landlord most likely

 

Call the water company and let them know. They usually adjust the bill to take it into account. You need to get it repaired asap and provide the invoice though

 

Yea sometimes the water co will adjust

 

You can’t expect tenant to pay for your plumbing being in poor condition. Either you pay it or ask the water company for a goodwill gesture to lower the charge.

 

Didn't the alarm work? You should report this to the agent that you don't want to sell your relative's property.

 

If a certified plumber fixed they will usually tell you if the local water company has a claim system for leaks.
Most of them do and you attach the bill to prove that the excess water consumption was due to a leak and that it's been fixed.

 

The tenant can apply to the water company for a review of the bill. We had a similar incident at an IP. The water company required a plumber's report basically saying there was a hidden leak (we organised this when the repair was done) - the tenant produced this along with copies of their previous water bills to show what was usually paid. I believe this was resolved without issue because we did not hear anything further from the tenant.
Mother in law had a similar issue in her PPOR and did the same and the bill was reduced. It is not automatically the landlord's responsibility to pay. These avenues could be investigated first.

 

Thank you . That’s all very helpful .