Who Is Responsible For A Blocked Drain: Landlord Or Tenant?

It’s 8 AM - you wake up to prepare breakfast and find the kitchen sink pooled with water.

The very thought of it sends a chill down your spine. A blocked drain is undoubtedly a nightmare for every homeowner out of all the plumbing woes.

Now, the first thing you do is call your landlord to inform him of the unpleasant situation. But the landlord tells you it isn’t their responsibility to fix the drain; instead, it’s yours. Later, you end up quarrelling and disconnecting the call.

Indeed, it’s a real struggle to figure out whose responsibility is to fix a blocked drain. But don’t worry; we’ve prepared this guide to walk you through all the details.

So, let’s get started!

Tell-Tale Signs Of A Blocked Drain

Not to deny, no homeowner pays attention to drains unless they start acting up. However, the worst part about blocked drains is the signs aren’t always obvious. And by the time you figure out you have a blockage, the chances are they have caused severe structural damage.

We’ve mentioned a few tell-tale signs to help you detect a blocked drain and save you from further troubles.

1. Gurgling Sound

Indeed, the first sign that indicates a blockage in the drain is strange gurgling sounds from the sink occurring when water flows into the drain. These sounds often result from the air trapped within the plumbing and drainage system being pushed up. So, if you hear any noise from your bathroom or kitchen sink, there’s probably a blockage.

2. Unpleasant Smell

It’s uncommon for an average household to smell like a rotten egg, so sniffing an unpleasant and foul odour in your home is a sign of a blocked drain. This usually happens when food or other organic matter lodges and begins to rot in the drain, and the issue is further aggravated by running water.

3. Slow Drainage

Sometimes, you might have done the dishes half an hour ago, but the water still accumulates in the sink. If you’ve noticed that the water is draining slowly more than once, it indicates a blocked drain.

Also, remember that the issue is likely in the drain if it happens with your kitchen sink. However, if water drains slowly from all fixtures, there could be a blockage in the main drain.

Fixing A Blocked Drain: When Is It Landlord’s Responsibility?

If you’re a landlord leasing property to someone, you must ensure that the premise is well-maintained and in good condition.

Of course, you’ve checked the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, carpets and rugs and other outdoor spaces, and they are in good condition. But what about the drainage and the plumbing system? Let us tell you that checking them is also the landlord’s responsibility. So, before renting your apartment to someone else, don’t forget to examine all aspects of your home.

However, the landlord’s responsibility doesn’t end here; tenants must be in the picture when they move into your apartment. That’s because he will have to ensure that the condition of his apartment is structurally sound and free from all kinds of damage, including plumbing systems and fixtures.

Supposedly, you’re a tenant and leased an apartment. Everything appears to be fine, but suddenly, the bathroom sink decides to act up. Or let’s say emergency issues arise, such as bursting a pipe, leaking faucet, or flooding.

In such cases, you should first take out your tenancy agreement and see if any of these issues are listed there. If you find them listed on the agreement, your landlord can fix all such cases.

If such issues aren’t listed on the agreement, who’s liable for fixing them? The landlord is likely responsible for resolving severe problems on their rental property.

For instance, flooding can damage the apartment’s furniture, decor, and supplies. So, if serious leakage, burst pipes or other plumbing issues occur, you should inform your landlord immediately.

Repairing A Blocked Drain: When Is It A Tenant’s Responsibility?

When it comes to maintenance, a tenant is also responsible for keeping the apartment and its fixtures clean and pristine.

Undoubtedly, the landlord is responsible for major emergency repairs, but it’s the tenant’s responsibility to care for all the minor repairs. For instance, if you accidentally damage a fixture in the apartment, you’ll have to get it repaired, not the landlord.

Now, fixing a blocked drain is your landlord’s responsibility for most parts, but you can be liable for getting it repaired on specific grounds. For example, if you habitually thrust food down the kitchen drain or throw stuff in the toilet sink, you must fix the drain. We all know that such items can lead to clogs, which aren’t meant to go down the drain.

Paying For Repairing A Blocked Drain

This depends on the contract you sign with your landlord for most parts. However, in case there’s a blockage due to negligence, then most likely, the landlord is responsible for repairing the drain.

Let’s say that before renting the house to you, there was a blocked drain in the apartment, and the landlord did not examine the space thoroughly. Now, this isn’t as easy as it sounds, for you’ll have to prove this point to your landlord for him to bear the expense. Only when you provide evidence will you convince him to pay for plumbing or urgent repairs.

Knowing Your Rights As A Tenant: Clogged Drains

Knowing the tell-tale signs of a blocked drain, we are sure you wouldn’t face issues identifying a blockage. However, ensure you get the drain fixed as soon as possible, or it will aggravate the problem and cause severe damage to your property.

The landlord is responsible for fixing a blocked drain, but the tenant is liable for repairing the damage caused in some cases. It depends upon the clause stated in the contract that the two parties have signed for the lease.

Please call our blocked drain specialist if you are experiencing a blocked drain now and live in Melbourne. We can assist you with unclogging the drain and liaising with real estate agents or landlords. All our plumbing services are provided with a tax invoice, and we are available 24/7 for any plumbing emergencies.

Before calling it a day, here’s a last piece of advice: Keep the communication channels open with your landlord, as it will build a healthy relationship between you. Until next time!