Texas - Water Bill payment with leak.

[HunterSinclair]

Hello,
I live in Austin, TX. I have recently had a water leak at my house which I rent. Last month we had come home to find that our water had been turned off. We then called the MUD to find out what the problem was and we found out that someone had turn the water off after finding a leak near the street on our side of the water meter. The leak was very close to the turn-off valve. We had not noticed this leak ourselves because it is in a part of the yard we rarely walk near and he had not noticed any considerable water pressure reduction. As soon as we found out that there was a leak we contacted our landlord and he came out and fixed the leak in a fairly timely manner.

We then received a rather large Water bill ($417)....which is normally $60.....

My question is...who is ultimately legally responsible for the excessive water cost....

The landlord has offered to pay half the excessive amount....is this fair or is he or I responsible for the total amount?

Thanks for your help,
Hunter

 

[djdj]

Well it all depends on wether you have a lease and want to still live there?

If you have a lease then the landlord is fully responsible, for all of it. but hen he will NEVER renew your lease.

If you are month to month, and demand he pay all of it , he will give you a 30 day eviction notice.

So do you want to move is the question......

Offer the landlord the money in exchange for a years lease,or a guarenteed renewal, and get it in writing.... that would cover your assssss.