Apartment Fees

[ksjane]

What is the name of your state? TX

Can an apartment complex charge an entire building for damages done by one individual?
A co-worker showed me a letter placed on everyones door that said the following:

"Do not flush tampons, kotex, condoms, and paper towels down toilet. Do not put grease in kitchen sink. This clogs the sewer lines. If the lines get clogged the entire building where these items are found will be fined. If fine is not paid, they will taken out of the rent and you will owe rent."

It doesn't seem fair that they can charge everyone for actions of others, however, I don't know that this is actually illegal?TIA

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? TX

Can an apartment complex charge an entire building for damages done by one individual?
A co-worker showed me a letter placed on everyones door that said the following:

"Do not flush tampons, kotex, condoms, and paper towels down toilet. Do not put grease in kitchen sink. This clogs the sewer lines. If the lines get clogged the entire building where these items are found will be fined. If fine is not paid, they will taken out of the rent and you will owe rent."

It doesn't seem fair that they can charge everyone for actions of others, however, I don't know that this is actually illegal?TIA

**A: it could be legal but it depends upon the method to determine damages.

 

[ksjane]

According to my co-worker, it appears that there is no method. It is pretty clear what their intent is: If they find these items in the sewer lines, then the whole building gets the bill. I for one would be pretty po'd if I did not do the things mentioned in the letter, yet had to pay for those who did.

 

[VeronicaLodge]

the problem is, how can they determine who is doing it once the clog is in the line under the building?

another good reason for buying a house and not renting

 

[ksjane]

Exactly! They cant! So, how can they charge everyone--legally? Which is what it appears they are going to do.

 

[queenofsand]

A lease cannot be changed midterm without the agreement of both parties.

For m2m tenants, 30 day written notice of these changes would be enforceable.

For those with termed leases who do not agree to the new proposal, management is sol.

http://www.texastenant.org/rights/houserules/houserules.html

 

[VeronicaLodge]

maybe the existing lease already covers situations like this and they just sent out the note as a reminder

 

[queenofsand]

I considered that possibility.

Since there was no mention of management not enforcing this clause until now; I assumed this was a new rule. Silly me, I should know better.

 

[lauras2u]

coughtreerootscough

ummm although i do not make a habit of putting any such items down a sink or toilet, the thing that clogs up sewers it tree roots not tampons as many landlords insist. No way they should charge tenants because they do not see rooting the sewer as normal wear and tear.

 

[HomeGuru]

ummm although i do not make a habit of putting any such items down a sink or toilet, the thing that clogs up sewers it tree roots not tampons as many landlords insist. No way they should charge tenants because they do not see rooting the sewer as normal wear and tear.

**A: if tree roots are the cause in this thread then you have a point.