Tenants pouring grease down the sink and flushing paper towels down the toilet into the septic system is the issue this week week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.
Dear Landlord Hank:
I am acting as power of attorney for my son and my daughter-in-law.
So, I have found out in the last four months or so that the tenants have been pouring grease down the sink. In an exorbitant amount.
And they also admitted to me that they have been putting paper towels and everything down the toilet. But the grease is the worst.
So, there are several large bills from the septic guy, you know one for $701 for $800 and one for $500 one for $300. It’s just crazy.
We asked him to stop doing it. And now it has ruined the plumbing and septic tank – and it needs a new pump and the whole thing has to be cleaned out by a specialist. Now he’s trying to tell me that the water is turning into grease. You got the picture. What are my options please? And, thank you very much.
-Fay
Dear Fay,
I would make sure the plumber indicates on his invoices that the cause of the problem is the grease, and paper towels, etc. that that tenants are flushing.
Check your lease-it may say something like, ” If any plumbing issues result from tenant and or guests flushing anything into the toilet other than human waste and toilet paper, the tenant will be responsible for any costs or charges incurred. You will have proof from your interview with tenants and plumber that tenants are damaging your property.
I would immediately put a 3-day notice on the tenant’s door and then file for eviction. Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal. https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/
Editor’s note: Check your local and state regulations on issues such as this as it varies across the country.
Ask Landlord Hank Your Question
Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.
How Can I Monitor Tenant Smoking In My No-Smoking Rental?
Do Your “No Smoking” And Odor Policies Stink?
Can I Say “No Pot In My Apartments” When It’s Legal In My State?
