Water started dripping from my bedroom wall last month, and my landlord finally got someone to look at it. Turns out there was a pipe issue in the walls that caused mold. Now he's saying I need to split the $3,200 repair cost with him because I didn't report it sooner, even though I called him twice before it got really bad. Is he allowed to do this?
In most places, landlords are legally required to maintain the structural integrity of rental properties, which includes pipes and walls - so your landlord generally can't charge tenants for fixing structural defects, especially ones caused by the building itself failing. The fact that you reported it twice actually works in your favor and shows you weren't negligent. Your landlord might try to argue you caused the delay, but since you did notify him, that argument usually doesn't hold up legally. I'd check your local tenant rights (they vary by region) or send your landlord a written response documenting those two calls you made, referencing the dates if you can, and politely but firmly declining the charge 📧
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