What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York
I just received a bill for $2,000 due to water pipe repairs that my landlord claims is due to negligence. I did not keep the heat on when I was out of town- therefore causing the water to freeze in the pipes and thus causing the need for repair.
I moved in on Dec. 1st and pay and control my own heat. When I moved in the heat was off and I was never told that I was required to keep it on. I left town for a month shortly after and turned the heat off to conserve energy since nobody was home. I explained that I was never educated on having to keep the heat and I didn't think this fell under negligence. The landlord replied saying that it is not their responsibility to educate me and that this falls under common practices. "Educating a tenant that leaving one’s door unlocked or windows open creates liability on the part of the tenant is not the responsibility of the landlord or management. Smoking in bed, unattended open flames, etc. all fall under commonly understood safe practices as would be determined by insurers."
How was I supposed to know that the pipes were not insulated and needed to be kept on in the winter? I really don't think this situation is equivalent to smoking in bed or leaving a door unlocked.
I would appreciate any advice!
I just received a bill for $2,000 due to water pipe repairs that my landlord claims is due to negligence. I did not keep the heat on when I was out of town- therefore causing the water to freeze in the pipes and thus causing the need for repair.
I moved in on Dec. 1st and pay and control my own heat. When I moved in the heat was off and I was never told that I was required to keep it on. I left town for a month shortly after and turned the heat off to conserve energy since nobody was home. I explained that I was never educated on having to keep the heat and I didn't think this fell under negligence. The landlord replied saying that it is not their responsibility to educate me and that this falls under common practices. "Educating a tenant that leaving one’s door unlocked or windows open creates liability on the part of the tenant is not the responsibility of the landlord or management. Smoking in bed, unattended open flames, etc. all fall under commonly understood safe practices as would be determined by insurers."
How was I supposed to know that the pipes were not insulated and needed to be kept on in the winter? I really don't think this situation is equivalent to smoking in bed or leaving a door unlocked.
I would appreciate any advice!