Whatever the type of accommodation, water leaks are a common problem that must be remedied as quickly as possible. To determine who is responsible for what, you need to know the rights and obligations of both the tenant and the landlord. A look back at the steps to take in the event of a leak.
Before looking at the tenant's obligations, it is essential to look at the’origin of a water leak. Whether apparent or hidden, leaks can occur for a variety of reasons. In order to distinguish the cause, the tenant must identify it. If necessary, he or she can call in a professional to obtain a precise diagnosis and, if necessary, carry out the required repairs.
In advance, it is necessary to warn the owner. Otherwise, the owner may refuse to pay the related costs, even if he is liable. For example, the cost of repairing a leak may be covered if the property is insured with the appropriate level of cover. As far as the tenant is concerned, their duties require them to inform the landlord of any problems encountered within the property.
In order to clearly distinguish the tenant's obligations, it is necessary to consult the contractual terms of the lease. This focuses on the following responsibilities and duties:
With regard to this last point, a water leak due to a maintenance fault induces its responsibility. In fact, a tenant's obligation to maintain the equipment in the rented property in good condition is written into the lease contract. For example, this could involve replacing the seals on the taps or a flushing system. If he fails to do so, he must pay the repair costs. He must also ask the owner or landlord for authorisation for any alterations made to the accommodation.
Normal wear and tear or wear and tear of a system can be the cause of a water leak. For example, there may be a problem with a concealed pipe, a connection fault or a part that has deteriorated over time. In this case, the owner is responsible. He must therefore take the necessary steps to repair the installation. On this point, the tenant’s obligation is émapped.
As a Swiss property professional, SherlockHomes offers a range of services to help you with the formalities associated with your home. As part of a search for rental properties, you can request an extract from the register of debtors or have a assistant de déménagement.
This article is not exhaustive and does not engage the responsibility of its author.
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