Plumbing Damage/ Deposit Refund Deductions

[lmwilliams72]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I moved into a Condo and after living in the Condo a little under a month there was a plumbing incident where toilet overflowed because during normal use it got clogged. We tried our best to stop the water, but it happened in an upstairs restroom which caused flooding damage to the downstairs ceiling.

Then, about three weeks later, a pipe in the shower upstairs busted and caused additional damage to the same ceiling downstairs.

So, in a period of less than two months, two incidences happened regarding flooding damage due to plumbing. We also noticed, under kitchen sink, there was previous flooding damage.

It seems the Condo has many issues with plumbing since we've moved into the place. My concern is will we be held responsible for the flooding damage? Will we have our security deposit retained our deducted for damage and repairs?

Many Thanks for any help you can offer.
ReallyWorriedCalifornian

 

[CA LL]

Typically if a toilet is only flushed ONCE it will rise to the top of the tank if blocked and that's it unless someone tries to flush again and then it will overflow.

Also if it does begin to overflow, a simply shutting off of supply will minimize damage.

So the toilet overflow is most likely YES you could be held liable for the damage. Even more so if the reason for the blockage was found to be an "item".

The pipe in the shower...would need to know more but again..water being shut off can sure minimize damage.

 

[Hot Topic]

You posted about the plumbing incidents but didn't include how they were handled. If you're so worried, why haven't you called the landlord?

We haven't seen your lease. How can we tell you what the landlord is going to do?