Landlord wants me to pay water!

[radiodawg02]

My apartment complex is taking me to small claims court to pay $2500 because they say my running toilet ran the bill for our building up $2500 more than what it normally is. Can they do this? And do you think I'd win the battle in court?

Here are some more details:

1. In my lease it states management is responsible for water. The tenant is responsible for electric and gas.

2. They claim I did not tell them about the running toilet. I didn't. However I work two job and am rarely home. I noticed it running but I'd shake the handle and it'd be okay. I didn't think it was a huge concern. Shouldn't THEY check these things when they see the bill going up for no reason?

3. The number of $2500 is a rough number. There is one water meter for our building and about 20 units per building.

What do you think will happen here? I contacted lawyer and am waiting to hear back.

If it helps, I live in Ohio.

[ohiolandlord]

Tenants do have a duty to report damaging or potentially damaging circumstances occurring inside the apartment to the landlord. Problem is - if there is just one water meter how can they attribute the total increase in the bill to you. I'm sure there are more than just one water leak in a 20 unit apartment.

[radiodawg02]

Thanks! With the info above and your experiance. How do you think this would turn out in court. It's written in the lease, "managment pays water".

Thanks again!

[ohiolandlord]

I would have to review the entire lease to give you an opinion.