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luv4mysolider · May 1, 2007, 11:26 AM

Hi,

I'm curious if anybody knows what the law in Alabama is or if you can direct me to the right people to call to find out what the rule is about repairs and the increased bills due to it.

Example; We had a water leak that we noticed a couple months ago. We attempted to contact our landlord for over a week and when we finally got an answer there was many failed attempts before we actually got it repaired. Due to this and it being a "hot water" leak both our water bill and electricity bills increased and I had no choice but to pay this in order to keep everything on for my three little children.

Now this month, without even warning, I receive a $165 Water bill!! I only am budgeted to spend the typical $38, and my husband is out of country on deployment.. The water authority was rude to me and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. This place is draining us though with the consequences of repairs! We haven't even recovered from the other unexpected money yet. Doesn't the landlord have to take some responsibility in this?

Lowtax4eva · May 1, 2007, 11:31 AM

Where was the leak exactly? Was it somewhere that had a shutoff valve?

You might consider just bringing this up to the landlord and see what they say since they took so long to respond before going to a lawyer or making a complaint.

luv4mysolider · May 1, 2007, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Lowtax4eva

Where was the leak exactly? Was it somewhere that had a shutoff valve?

You might consider just bringing this up to the landlord and see what they say since they took so long to respond before going to a lawyer or making a complaint.

The first time no. It was under the manufactured home on the pipe that goes from the water heater to the laundry connection. We even took it upon ourselves to wet vac it up consistently and keep it dry.

The second time, who knows? I didn't even know there was a leak. Water company just told me there has to be one that I used 39,000 gallons this month but it's always hard to tell because we have sitting water all the time around here.

I'm lost on what to do. I'm miserable here and there always seems to be something wrong. My son's light went out and I went to change it and when I went to remove the light fixture it literally just fell apart in my hands and crumbled. The ceiling fixture in his room was PLASTIC and had literally just dried out from being heated for so long. I don't have the money or manpower to afford the move though until husband returns. I need a short/long term solution to this. We have dealt with many of the smaller issues ourselves and out of our pocket just to not be bothered. We have replaced door handles on ALL the doors because when we moved here... one by one they all literally just fell apart. When we moved in there was verbal agreements that back steps would be put out so the kids would be able to go out the back door, the land would be cleared so we would have more land, and a outdoor water spicket would be located and re-installed. So far, NONE of these have been done. The lady is super nice in every aspect but living up to her end. I feel awful but I just can't do it anymore...

Lowtax4eva · May 1, 2007, 11:44 AM

Well, the landlord unfortunately can't be held responsible until the time they are made aware of the damaged pipes, once you notified them you would have a case to demand they repay you for the water wasted after that point.

A good first step is to send them a registered letter stating there was a water leak, you advised them onn day x they didn't have it repaired till day y and you think they should pay a portion of the monthly bill because of their delay.

They can't be made to pay the whole thing as they can't fix something they don't know is broken. If they don't respond to your letter, call your local housing commission.

luv4mysolider · May 1, 2007, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by Lowtax4eva

Well, the landlord unfortunately can't be held responsible until the time they are made aware of the damaged pipes, once you notified them you would have a case to demand they repay you for the water wasted after that point.

A good first step is to send them a registered letter stating there was a water leak, you advised them onn day x they didnt have it repaired till day y and you think they should pay a portion of the monthly bill because of their delay.

They can't be made to pay the whole thing as they can't fix something they dont know is broken. If they dont respond to your letter, call your local housing commision.

If I am solely responsible for these utility increases every time something breaks, is there a way for me to legally get out of this money pit? I'm not sure if I can still use my husband for the soldier's law now or not. He's been gone two months.

Cvillecpm · May 1, 2007, 02:20 PM

My experience is that when the water company is made aware of a leak, they often adjust the bill... write them and provide the information on what happened and ask for a reduction...

luv4mysolider · May 1, 2007, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Cvillecpm

My experience is that when the water company is made aware of a leak, they often adjust the bill....write them and provide the information on what happened and ask for a reduction.......

I already contacted them and they said they will only do something if it's on their end and not the properties. They said I could extend it for a $5 fee and I told her no thank you. Doesn't matter if we don't eat now or don't eat later. It has to be paid, might as well get it out of the way.